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King Henry VIII 



SHAKESPEARE'S 



HISTORY OF 



King Henry the Eighth 



EDITED, WITH NOTES 

BY 

WILLIAM J. ROLFE, Litt.D. 

FORMERLY HEAD MASTER OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, 
CAMBRIDGE, MASS. 



ILLUSTRATED 



NEW YORK . :. CINCINNATI • :• CHICAGO 

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

DEC 6 1904 

Copyrifiiii Entry 

CLASS O^ XXc Not 

COPY B. 







Copyright, 1871, 1883, and 1898, by Harper & Brothers. 

Copyright, 1899, by William J. Rolfe. 

Copyright, 1904, by 
WILLIAM J. ROLFE. 



henry VIII. 

w. p. I 



PREFACE 

This play, which I edited in 187 1, and revised in 
1883, with the addition of line numbers, is now reissued 
with further and fuller revision on the same plan as the 
sixteen plays that have preceded it in the series. 

The notes credited to " Adee " were sent to me when 
I was at work on the play in 1883 by my good friend, 
Hon. Alvey A. Adee, of Washington, D.C., then, as 
now. First Assistant Secretary of State, and an accom- 
plished Shakespeare scholar and critic. 

The notes credited to "White " are from Mr. Richard 
Grant White's first and fully annotated edition of Shake- 
speare in twelve volumes, not from the later abridged 
" Riverside " edition, and were used with his permission 
and approval. 



CONTENTS 



Introduction to King Henry the Eighth 
The History of the Play . 
The Historical Sources of the Play 
Critical Comments on the Play 

King Henry the Eighth 

Act I 

Act II 

Act III 

Act IV 

Act V 
Notes . 

Appendix 

The Time-Analysis of the Play 
Historic Dates, in the Order of the Play 
List of Characters in the Play 



9 

9 

i8 

19 

39 
41 
71 

lOI 

129 
144 
173 

259 
259 
259 
260 



Index of Words and Phrases Explained. 



263 




The Tower of London 




INTRODUCTION TO KING HENRY THE 

EIGHTH 



The History of the Play 

Henry VIII, under the title of " The Famous History 
of the Life of King Henry the Eight," was first pubHshed 
in the Folio of 1623, where it is printed with remarkable 
accuracy. 

The date of the play has been the subject of much 
discussion. The earlier editors and comm.entators, with 
the single exception of Chalmers, beUeved that it was 

9 



lo King Henry the Eighth 

written before the death of Elizabeth (March, 1603), 
and that the allusion to her successor, "■ Nor shall this 
peace sleep with her," etc. (v. 5), did not form a part of 
Cranmer's speech as originally composed, but was inter- 
polated by Ben Jonson after James had come to the 
throne. But, as White remarks, " the speech in question 
is homogeneous [though not, as he calls it, 'Shake- 
spearian '] ; the subsequent allusion to Elizabeth as ' an 
aged princess ' would not have been ventured during her 
life ; and the exhibition of Henry's selfish passion for 
Anne Bullen, and of her lightness of character, would 
have been hardly less offensive to the Virgin Queen, her 
daughter." 

In the Stationers' Registers, under date of February 
12, 1604 [-5], we find the following memorandum: 
" Nath. Butter] Yf he get good allowance for the Enter- 
lude of K. Henry 8th before he begyn to print it, and 
then procure the wardens hands to yt for the entrance of 
yt, he is to have the same for his copy ; " and some editors 
have thought that this refers to Shakespeare's drama. 
It is more probable, however, that the reference is to a 
play of Samuel Rowley's, " When you See me you Know 
me, or the Famous Chronicle History of King Henry the 
Eighth," which was pubhshed in 1605.^ 

1 This play is " a bluff, hearty, violently Protestant piece of work, the 
Protestant emphasis being indeed the most striking thing about it. 
The verse is formal, with one or two passages of somewhat heightened 
quality. The characters include a stage Harry, a very invertebrate 
Wolsey, a Will Sommers whose jokes are as thin as they are inveterate, 
a Queen Katherine of the doctrinal and magnanimous order, a modest 



Introduction ii 

Most of the recent editors believe that the play was 
written in 1612 or 1613, and that it was the poet's last 
work. The evidence drawn from the play itself tends to 
confirm this view of its date. In the prophecy of Cran- 
mer, the lines, — 

" Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine. 
His hopour, and the greatness of his name. 
Shall be, and make new nations," — 

allude, we can hardly doubt, to the colonization of Vir- 
ginia, and, if so, could not have been written earlier than 
1607. The style and the versification of the play, more- 
over, indicate that it was one of the last productions of 
the poet. As White has remarked, " the excessively ellip- 
tical construction, and the incessant use of verbal contrac- 
^ tions, are marks of Shakespeare's latest years — those 
which produced The Tempest and The Winter''s Tale^ 
It will be observed also that many of the lines end with 
unaccented monosyllables or particles ; and this pecu- 
liarity is very rare in those plays of Shakespeare which 
are known to be his earliest, while it is frequent in those 
which are known to be his latest. 

The external evidence also favours this date. The 
Globe Theatre was burned down on the 29th of June, 
1613, and we have several contemporary accounts of the 
catastrophe. A letter from John Chamberlain to Sir 

Prince Edward ; with minor personages of the. usual sort, and, beyond 
the usual, a Dogberry and Verges set of watchmen, with whom, together 
with one Black Will, King Henry has a ruffling scene " (Symons) . The 
play was reprinted in 1613, 1621, and 1632. 



12 King Henry the Eighth 

Ralph Winwood, dated July 12, 16 13, describes the 
burning, and says that it " fell out by a peale of cham- 
bers " — that is, a discharge of small cannon. Howes, 
in his continuation of Stowe's Annales, written some time 
after the fire (since he speaks of the theatre as rebuilt 
"the next spring"), says that the house was "filled with 
people to behold the play, viz., of Henry the Eighth^ 
Sir Henry Wotton, writing to his nephew on the 6th of 
July, 1613, gives a minute account of the accident: 
" Now to let matters of state sleep, I will entertain you 
at the present with what happened this week at the 
Bankside. The king's players had a new play called All 
is True, representing some principal pieces of the reign of 
Henry the Eighth, which was set forth with many extraor- 
dinary circumstances of pomp and majesty. . . . Now, 
King Henry making a mask at the Cardinal Wolsey's 
house, and certain cannons being shot off at his entry, 
some of ^lie paper, or other stuff wherewith one of them 
was stopped, did light on the thatch, where, being thought 
at first but an idle smoke, and their eyes being more 
attentive to the show, it kindled inwardly, and ran round 
like a train, consuming, in less than an hour, the whole 
house to the very ground. This was the fatal period of 
that virtuous fabric, wherein yet nothing did perish but 
wood and straw, and a few forsaken cloaks ; only one 
man had his breeches set on fire, that would perhaps 
have broiled him if he had not, by the benefit of a provi- 
dent wit, put it out with bottle ale." There can be little 
doubt that the play in question was Shakespeare's Henry 



Introduction 13 

F///, in which, according to the original stage direction 
(iv. i), we have " chambers discharged " at the entrance 
of the king to the " mask at the cardinal's house." It 
appears to have had at first a double title, but the ^' All is 
True " was soon dropped, leaving only the more distinc- 
tive title corresponding to those of Shakespeare's other 
historical plays. There seem to be several references 
to the lost title in the Prologue : " May here find truth 
too j " " To rank our chosen truth with such a show ; " 
and "To make that only true we now intend." 

The critics are now generally agreed that portions of 
Henry VIII were written by John Fletcher. Mr. Rod- 
erick, in notes appended to Edwards's Canons of Criti- 
cism (edition of 1765), was the first to point out certain 
peculiarities in the versification of the play — the frequent 
occurrence of a redundant or eleventh syllable, of pauses 
nearer the end of the verse than usual, and of " emphasis 
clashing with the cadence of the metre." More recently 
two critics (Mr. James Spedding, in the Gentleman's 
Magazine, August, 1850, and Mr. Samuel Hickson, in 
Notes and Queries, vol. ii. p. 198 and vol. iii. p. 33), 
working independently, divided the play between Shake- 
speare and Fletcher in the same manner, assigning certain 
scenes to each author, on account of difi"erences in the 
versification and diction ; and a study of the dramatic 
treatment and characterization by these and other critics 
led to precisely the same results. Mr.. Spedding afterward 
stated that the resemblance to Fletcher's style in parts of 
the play was pointed out to him several years before by 



14 ^i^g Henry the Eighth 

Tennyson ; and it is a curious fact that Ralph Waldo 
Emerson, in his lecture on Shakespeare (pubhshed in 
1850 before he could have seen the articles by Spedding 
and Hickson, and written several years before it was pub- 
lished), also noted the evidences of two hands in Henry 
VIII. He says, after referring to Malone's discussion 
of the double authorship oi Henry VI: "In Henry VIII 
I think I see plainly the cropping out of the original rock 
on which his [Shakespeare's] stratum was laid. The 
first play was written by a superior, thoughtful man with 
a vicious ear. I can mark his lines, and know well their 
cadence. See Wolsey's soliloquy and the following scene 
with Cromwell, where, instead of the metre of Shake- 
speare, whose secret is that the thought constructs the 
tune, so that reading for the sense will best bring out the 
rhythm, here the Hnes are constructed on a given tune, 
and the verse has even a trace of pulpit eloquence. But 
the play contains, through all its length, unmistakable 
traits of Shakespeare's hand, and some passages are like 
autographs. What is odd, the compHment to Queen 
Elizabeth [v. 5, 17 foL] is in the bad rhythm." 

The passages which Emerson ascribes to the "man 
with a vicious ear" are all among those which Spedding 
and others decide to be Fletcher's. People with no ear 
for rhythm may sneer at verse tests as they please ; but 
when poets like Tennyson and Emerson come to the 
same conclusions as the " metre-mongers " and other 
critics, we may safely assume that these conclusions are 
probably correct. 



Introduction 15 

Craik (^English of Shakespeare, Rolfe's ed. pp. 10, 38) 
believes that much of the play is " evidently by another 
hand," the character of the versification being " the most 
conclusive, or, at least, the clearest evidence that it cannot 
have been written throughout by Shakespeare." Abbott 
{Shakesperian Grammar, p. 331), after stating that in 
Shakespeare's verse " the extra syllable [at the end of a 
line] is very rarely a monosyllable," says : *'The fact that 
in Henry VIII, and in no other play of Shakespeare's, 
constant exceptio7is are found to this rule, seems to me a 
sufficient proof that Shakespeare did not write that play." 
Fleay, Furnivall, and Dowden agree with Spedding in 
assigning to Shakespeare act i. sc. i, 2 ; act ii. sc. 3, 4 ; 
act iii. sc. 2 (to exit of King, line 203) ; and act v. 
sc. 2 : the remainder they believe to be Fletcher's. 

Various theories have been proposed to explain the 
double authorship of the play. Some critics think that 
it was an instance of collaboration ; but it is more prob- 
able, as the majority believe, that Fletcher completed 
an unfinished play of Shakespeare's. Three or four take . 
the ground that Shakespeare was the sole author; one 
(Mr. Robert Boyle, in the Transactions of the New 
Shakspere Society, for 1880-1885) argues that the play 
was written by Fletcher and Massinger, and that Shake- 
speare had nothing to do with it. Mr. Arthur Symons 
(introduction to the play in the *' Henry Irving " edition) 
doubts whether Shakespeare wrote the non-Fletcherian 
parts, but hesitates to attribute them to Massinger or 
any other dramatist of the time. He says : " There are 



1 6 King Henry the Eighth 

lines and passages which, if I came across them in an 
anonymous play, I should assign without hesitation to 
Massinger; there are also lines and passages to which 
I can recollect no parallel in all his works." He " can- 
not hold with any assurance that the second author has 
yet been discovered."^ 

Mr. Aldis Wright (Clarendon Press edition of the play, 
1 891) remarks: "In such a case it is easier to prove 
a negative than a positive, and while it may appear to 
some not sufificiently certain that Mr. Boyle has identified 
Massinger as the author of the parts he attributes to him, 
he must be allowed to have given excellent reasons for 
concluding that they were not written by Shakespeare." 
So far Mr. Wright fully agrees with Mr. Boyle ; but as to 
the question whose are the non-Fletcherian parts, he says : 
" I confess this is a question I am not careful to answer. 
If they are not by Shakespeare, it matters little to whom 
they are assigned." He gives some weight to the fact 
that there are many " un-Shakesperian words and phrases " 
in the play, of which he adds a partial hst ; and these, 
he says, " occur in all parts of the play, and not merely in 
those which Mr. Spedding assigns to Fletcher." But 
in Henry VIII, of which about three-fifths is Fletcher's, 
there are only 143 words (22 of which are compounds) 
found in no other work ascribed to Shakespeare, while 

1 Mr. Boyle and Mr. Symons agree in adding act. iv. sc. i to 
Spedding's non-Fletcherian part of the play ; and Mr. Boyle also adds 
the following portions of other scenes : act i. sc. 4, lines 1-24, 64-108 ; 
act. ii. sc. I, lines 1-53, 137-169; and act v. sc. 3, lines 1-113. 



Introduction 17 

in Hejiry V, another play taken at random, there are 
138 such words (25 being compounds). Hamlet (a 
play about twice as long as Henry VIH) has more than 
four hundred such words. As the authorship of both 
Henry V and Hamlet is undisputed, it is evident that no 
argument concerning Shakespeare's share in Henry VIH 
can be based upon the supposed " un-Shakesperian 
words " in the play. 

Mr. Fleay, in his Shakespeare Mamml {i^']6), accepts 
Spedding's theory of the authorship of the play ; but in 
his Life and Work of Shakespeare (1886) he says: 
" This play is chiefly by Fletcher and Massinger, Shake- 
speare's share in it being only i. 2, ii. 3, ii. 4. It was 
not, however, written by these authors in conjunction. 
Shakespeare appears to have left it unfinished ; his part 
is more like The Winter's Tale than any other play, and 
was probably written just before that comedy in 1609." 
The 16 13 play he believes to have been "Shakespeare's 
in its original form," but " probably finished by Fletcher, 
and destroyed in great part in the Globe fire." The 
"extant play," he thinks, "was produced, by Fletcher 
and Massinger in 161 7." 

Mr. Sidney Lee {Life of Shakespeare) believes that the 
play was written by Shakespeare and Fletcher, who in 
his part of the work had " occasional aid from Massin- 
ger;" but he considers that the theory that "Massinger 
and Fletcher alone collaborated in Henry VILL (to the 
exclusion of Shakespeare altogether) does not deserve 
serious consideration." He is inclined to ascribe 
HENRY vni — 2 



1 8 King Henry the Eighth 

Wolsey's famous " Farewell " to Shakespeare ; but, as 
Dowden says : " It is certainly Fletcher's, and when one 
has perceived this, one perceives also that it was an error 
ever to suppose it written in Shakespeare's manner." 



The Historical Sources of the Play 

The historical authorities followed by the authors in 
the first four acts of the play were Edward Hall's Unioit 
of the Families of Lancaster and York, the first edition 
of which appeared in 1548, and Raphael Holinshed's 
Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, pubHshed 
in 1577. These writers had copied largely from George 
Cavendish's Life of Cardinal Wolsey, of which there were 
many manuscript copies in Shakespeare's day, though the 
work was not printed until 1641. For the fifth act they 
took their materials from John Fox's Acts and Monu- 
ments of the Church, published in 1563. 

In these books the poets found many details which they 
put into dramatic form with very shght change of lan- 
guage, as will be seen from the illustrations given in the 
Notes. The action of the play includes events scattered 
through a period of about twenty-three years, or from 15 20 
to 1543, and the events are not always given in their 
chronological order. Thus the reversal of the decree of 
taxing the commons (1525) and the examination of 
Buckingham's surveyor (152 1) are in one scene; the ban- 
quet scene (1526) precedes that of Buckingham's execu- 



Introduction 19 

tion, and in the later scene we find mention of Henry's 
scruples concerning his marriage (1527) and of the ar- 
rival of Campeggio (1529) ; the scene in which Anne is 
made Marchioness of Pembroke (1532) precedes that of 
the trial of the queen (1529) ; the death of Wolsey (1530) 
is announced to Katherine in the scene in which she dies 
(1536) ; in the same scene in which the birth of Elizabeth 
(1533) is announced to the king, he converses with Cran- 
mer about the charge of heresy (1543) ; and in the scene 
in which Cranmer is accused before the council (1543) 
Henry asks him to be godfather at the baptism of Eliza- 
beth (1533). Even if we make no account of the intro- 
duction of the charges against Cranmer (1543), the action 
of the play will cover a period of some sixteen years, from 
the return of the Enghsh Court from the Field of the 
Cloth of Gold in 1520, to the death of Katherine in 
1536. 

General Comments on the Play 

The German critic Herzberg describes the play as " a 
chronicle-history with three and a half catastrophes, varied 
by a marriage and a coronation pageant, ending abruptly 
with the baptism of a child." It is, indeed, most inco- 
herent in structure, " After all our sympathies have 
been engaged upon the side of the wronged Queen 
Katherine, we are called upon to rejoice in the mar- 
riage triumph of her rival, Anne Bullen." Its poor 
dramatic construction would of itself suffice to prove 



20 King Henry the Eighth 

that it was not a complete work of Shakespeare's — or, 
indeed, of any single playwright of the better type — if 
we had not other good evidence to the same effect. 

The views of the leading critics concerning the char- 
acters in the play have naturally been affected by their 
theories of its authorship. Charles Knight, who, though 
admitting that the verse has peculiarities " not found in 
any other of Shakespeare's works," nevertheless regards 
the theory that it is not wholly his own as " utterly un- 
tenable," says : " There is no pl^y of Shakespeare's which 
has a more decided character of unity — no one from 
which any passage could be less easily struck out. We 
believe that Shakespeare worked in this particular upon 
a principle of art which he had proposed to himself to 
adhere to, wherever the nature of the scene would allow. 
The elHptical construction, and the license of versifica- 
tion, brought the dialogue, whenever the speaker was 
not necessarily rhetorical, closer to the language of com- 
mon life. I Of all his historical plays the Henry VIII is 
the nearest in its story to his own times. It professed to 
be a ' truth.' It belongs to his own country. It has no 
poetical indistinctness about it, either of time or place ; 
all is defined. If the diction and the versification had 
been more artificial, it would have been less a reality." 
The opening hues of the prologue, according to Knight, 
are " a perfect exposition of the principle upon which the 
poet worked in the construction of this drama. . . . There 
had been a considerable interval between its production 
and that of Henry V, the last in the order of representa- 



Introduction 21 

tion of his previous Histories. During that interval sev- 
eral of the poet's most admirable comedies had been 
unquestionably produced ; and the audience of 16 13 was 
perhaps still reveUing in the recollections of the wit of 
Touchstone or the more recent whimsies of Autolycus. 
But the poet, who was equally master of the tears and 
the smiles of his audience, prepares them for a serious 
view of the aspects of real life — ' I come no more to 
make you laugh.' . . . He had to offer weighty and 
serious things; sad and high things; noble scenes that 
commanded tears ; state and woe were to be exhibited 
together ; there was to be pageantry, but it was to be 
full of pity ; and the woe was to be the more intense from 
its truth. . . . From the first scene to the last, the dra- 
matic action seems to point to the abiding presence of 
that power which works ' her cruel sports to many men's 
decay.' We see ' the ever-whirling wheel ' in a succession 
of contrasts of grandeur and debasement ; and, even 
when the action is closed, we are carried forward into the 
depths of the future, to have the same triumph of ' muta- 
bility ' suggested to our contemplation." The play not 
only opens " with singular art," but " the great principle " 
announced in the prologue is its key-note to the end, and 
the characters are developed and delineated in perfect 
keeping with it. Thus, as Knight tells us, the dramatist 
" closes his great series of ' Chronicle Histories.' This 
last of them was to be ' sad, high, and working.' It has 
laid bare the hollowness of worldly glory ; it has shown 
the heavy * load ' of ' too much honour ' ; it has given us 



22 King Henry the Eighth 

a picture of the times which succeeded the feudal strifes 
of the other ' Histories.' " 

On the other hand, if we regard the play as one which 
was originally planned by Shakespeare, who partially de- 
veloped the leading characters and then for some reason 
laid it aside, and which afterwards was put into the hands 
of Fletcher, who finished it in his own way — which 
was not at all Shakespeare's way — we can understand 
the weakness of the patched-up plot, and the inconsist- 
encies of the modified characterization. These are well 
set forth by Spedding, who says : — 

" The effect of this play as a whole is weak and disap- 
pointing. The truth is that the interest, instead of rising 
towards the end, falls away utterly, and leaves us in the 
last act among persons whom we scarcely know, and 
events for which we do not care. The strongest sympathies 
which have been awakened in us run opposite to the 
course of the action. Our sympathy is for the grief and 
goodness of Queen Katherine, while the course of the 
action requires us to entertain as a theme of joy and 
compensatory satisfaction the coronation of Anne Bullen 
and the birth of her daughter, which are in fact a part 
of Katherine's injury, and amount to little less than the 
ultimate triumph of wrong. For throughout the king's 
cause is not only felt by us, but represented to us, as a 
bad one. We hear, indeed, of conscientious scruples as 
to the legality of his first marriage ; but we are not made, 
nor indeed asked to believe that they are sincere, or to 
recognize in his new marriage either the hand of Provi- 



Introduction 23 

dence, or the consummation of any worthy object, or the 
victory of any of those more common frailties of humanity 
with which we can sympathize. The mere caprice of 
passion drives the king into the commission of what seems 
a great iniquity ; our compassion for the victim of it is 
elaborately excited ; no attempt is made to awaken any 
counter-sympathy for him ; yet his passion has its way, 
and is crowned with all fehcity, present and to come. 
The effect is much like that which would have been pro- 
duced by The Winter's Tale if Hermione had died in 
the fourth act in consequence of the jealous tyranny of 
Leontes, and the play had ended with the coronation of 
a new queen and the christening of a new heir, no period 
of remorse intervening. It is as if Nathan's rebuke to 
David had ended, not with the doom of death to the child 
just born, but with a prophetic promise of the felicities 
of Solomon. 

" This main defect is sufficient of itself to mar the effect 
of the play as a whole. But there is another, which, though 
less vital, is not less unaccountable. The greater part of the 
fifth act, in which the interest ought to be gathering to a 
head, is occupied with matters in which we have not been 
prepared to take any interest by what went before, and 
on which no interest is reflected by what comes after. 
The scenes in the gallery and council-chamber, though 
full of life and vigour, and, in point of execution, not un- 
worthy of Shakespeare, are utterly irrelevant to the busi- 
ness of the play ; for what have we to do with the quarrel 
between Gardiner and Cranmer? Nothing in the play 



24 ^i^g Henry the Eighth 

is explained by it, nothing depends on it. It is used only 
(so far as the argument is concerned) as a preface for 
introducing Cranmer as godfather to Queen Elizabeth, 
which might have been done as a matter of course with- 
out any preface at all. The scenes themselves are indeed 
both picturesque and characteristic and historical, and 
might probably have been introduced with excellent effect 
into a dramatized life of Henry VIII. But historically 
they do not belong to the place where they are introduced 
here, and poetically they have in this place no value, but 
the reverse. 

"With the fate of Wolsey, again, in whom our second 
interest centres, the business of this last act does not con- 
nect itself any more than with that of Queen Katherine. 
The fate of Wolsey would have made a noble subject for 
a tragedy in itself, and might very well have been combined 
with the tragedy of Katherine ; but, as an introduction 
to the festive solemnity with which the play concludes, 
the one seems to be as inappropriate as the other. . . . 

" I know no other play in Shakespeare which is charge- 
able with a fault like this, none in which the moral sympathy 
of the spectator is not carried along with the main current 
of action to the end. In all the historical tragedies a 
Providence may be seen presiding over the development 
of events, as just and relentless as the fate in a Greek 
tragedy. Even in Henry IV, where the comic element 
predominates, we are never allowed to exult in the success 
of the wrong-doer, or to forget the penalties which are 
due to guilt. And if it be true that in the romantic 



Introduction 25 

comedies our moral sense does sometimes suffer a passing 
shock, it is never owing to an error in the general design, 
but always to some incongruous circumstance in the origi- 
nal story which has lain in the way and not been entirely 
got rid of, and which after all offends us rather as an inci- 
dent improbable in itself than as one for which our sym- 
pathy is unjustly demanded. The singularity of Henry 
VIII is that, while four-fifths of the play are occupied 
in matters which are to make us incapable of mirth, — 

' Be sad, as we would make you. Think ye see 
The very persons of our history 
As they were living ; think you see them great, 
And follow'd with the general throng and sweat 
Of thousand friends ; then in a moment see 
How soon this mightiness meets misery ! 
And if you can be merry then, I'll say 
A man may weep upon his wedding day,' — 

the remaining fifth is devoted to joy and triumph, and 
ends with universal festivity : — 

' This day let no man think 
He has business at his house, for all shall stay; 
This little one shall make it holiday.' 

" Of this strange inconsistency, or at least of a certain 
poorness in the general effect which is amply accounted 
for by such inconsistency, I had for some time been 
vaguely conscious ; and I had also heard it casually re- 
marked by a man of first-rate judgment on such a point 
[Tennyson] that many passages in Henry VIII were very 
much in the manner of Fletcher ; when I happened to 



26 King Henry the Eighth 

take up a book of extracts, and opened by chance on the 
following beautiful lines : — 

* Would I had never trod this English earth. 
Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it ! 
Ye have angels' faces, but heaven knows your hearts. 
"What will become of me now, wretched lady? 
I am the most unhappy woman living. — 
Alas ! poor wenches, where are now your fortunes? 
Shipwrack'd upon a kingdom, where no pity, 
No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me, 
Almost no grave allow'd me. — Like the lily. 
That once was mistress of the field and flourish'd, 
I'll hang my head and perish.' 

" Was it possible to believe that these lines were writ- 
ten by Shakespeare? I had often amused myself with 
attempting to trace the gradual change of his versification 
from the simple monotonous cadence of T/te Two Gen- 
tlemen of Verona to the careless felicities of The Winter's 
Tale and Cy?nbeline, of which it seemed as impossible to 
analyze the law as not to feel the melody ; but I could 
find no stage in that progress to which it seemed possible 
to refer these lines. I determined upon this to read the 
play through with an eye to this especial point, and see 
whether any solution of the mystery would present itself. 
The result of my examination was a clear conviction that 
at least two different hands had been employed in the 
composition of Henry VIII, if not three; and that they 
had . worked, not together, but alternately upon distinct 
portions of it. 

"This is a conclusion which cannot of course be es- 



Introduction 



27 



tablished by detached extracts, which in questions of style 
are doubtful evidence at best. The only satisfactory evi- 
dence upon which it can be determined whether a given 
scene was or was not by Shakespeare, is to be found in 
the general effect produced on the mind, the ear, and the 
feelings by a free and broad perusal ; and if any of your 
readers care to follow me in this inquiry, I would ask him 
to do as I did ■ — that is, to read the whole play straight 
through, with an eye open to notice the larger differences 
of effect, but without staying to examine small points. 
The effect of my own experiment was as follows : — 

" The opening of the play — the conversation between 
Buckingham, Norfolk, and Abergavenny — seemed to 
have the full stamp of Shakespeare, in his latest manner : 
the same close-packed expression ; the same life, and 
reality, and freshness; the same rapid and abrupt turn- 
ings of thought, so quick that language can hardly follow 
fast enough ; the same impatient activity of intellect and 
fancy, which having once disclosed an idea cannot wait 
to work it orderly out ; the same daring confidence in the 
resources of language, which plunges headlong into a sen- 
tence without knowing how it is to come forth ; the same 
careless metre which disdains to produce its harmonious 
effects by the ordinary devices, yet is evidently subject to 
a master of harmony; the same entire freedom from 
book-language and commonplace ; all the qualities, in 
short, which distinguish the magical hand which has 
never yet been successfully imitated. 

" In the scene in the council-chamber which follows 



28 King Henry the Eighth 

(i. 2), where the characters of Katherine and Wolsey 
are brought out, I found the same characteristics equally 
strong. 

" But the instant I entered upon the third scene, in 
which the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sands, and Sir 
Thomas Lovell converse, I was conscious of a total 
change. I felt as if I had passed suddenly out of the 
language of nature into the language of the stage, or of 
some conventional mode of conversation. The structure 
of the verse was quite different and full of mannerism. 
The expression became suddenly diffuse and languid. 
The wit wanted mirth and character. And all this was 
equally true of the supper scene which closes the first act. 

" The second act brought me back to the tragic vein, 
but it was not the tragic vein of Shakespeare. When I com- 
pared the eager, impetuous, and fiery language of Bucking- 
ham in the first act with the languid and measured cadences 
of his farewell speech, I felt that the difference was too 
great to be accounted for by the mere change of situation, 
without supposing also a change of writers. The presence 
of death produces great changes in men, but no such 
change as we have here. 

"When in like manner I compared the Henry and 
Wolsey of the scene which follows (ii. 2) with the Henry 
and Wolsey of the council-chamber (i. 2), I perceived a 
difference scarcely less striking. The dialogue, through 
the whole scene, sounded still slow and artificial. 

" The next scene brought another sudden change. And, 
as in passing from the second to the third scene of the 



Introduction 29 

first act, I had seemed to be passing all at once out of 
the language of nature into that of convention, so in 
passing from the second to the third scene of the second 
act (in which Anne Bullen appears, I may say for the first 
time, for in the supper scene she was merely a conventional 
court lady without any character at all), I seemed to pass 
not less suddenly from convention back again into nature. 
And when I considered that this short and otherwise insig- 
nificant passage contains all that we ever see of Anne (for 
it is necessary to forget her former appearance), and yet 
how clearly the character comes out, how very a woman 
she is, and yet how distinguishable from any other individ- 
ual woman, I had no difficulty in acknowledging that the 
sketch came from the same hand which drew Perdita. 

" Next follows the famous trial scene. And here I 
could as little doubt that I recognized the same hand to 
which we owe the trial of Hermione. When I compared 
the language of Henry and of Wolsey throughout this 
scene to the end of the act, with their language in the 
council-chamber (i. 2), I found that it corresponded in all 
essential features ; when I compared it with their language 
in the second scene of the second act, I perceived that it 
was altogether different. Katherine also, as she appears 
in this scene, was exactly the same person as she was in 
the council-chamber ; but when I went on to the first 
scene of the third act, which represents her interview 
with Wolsey and Campeius, I found her as much changed 
as Buckingham was after his sentence, though without any 
alteration of circumstances to account for an alteration 



30 King Henry the Eighth 

of temper. Indeed the whole of this scene seemed to 
have all the peculiarities of Fletcher, both in conception, 
language, and versification, without a single feature that 
reminded me of Shakespeare ; and, since in both passages 
the true narrative of Cavendish is followed minutely and 
carefully, and both are therefore copies from the same 
original and in the same style of art, it was the more easy 
to compare them with each other. 

" In the next scene (iii. 2) I seemed again to get out 
of Fletcher into Shakespeare ; though probably not into 
Shakespeare pure ; a scene by another hand perhaps which 
Shakespeare had only remodelled, or a scene by Shake- 
speare which another hand had worked upon to make it fit 
the place. The speeches interchanged between Henry and 
Wolsey seemed to be entirely Shakespeare's ; but in the 
altercation between Wolsey and the lords which follows, 
I could recognize little or nothing of his peculiar man- 
ner, while many passages were strongly marked with the 
favourite Fletcherian cadence ; and as for the famous 
'Farewell, a long farewell,' etc., though associated by 
means of Enfield's Speaker with my earliest notions of 
Shakespeare, it appeared (now that my mind was open 
to entertain the doubt) to belong entirely and unques- 
tionably to Fletcher. 

" Of the fourth act I did not so well know what to 
think. For the most part it seemed to bear evidence of 
a more vigorous hand than Fletcher's, with less mannerism, 
especially in the description of the coronation, and the 
character of Wolsey ; and yet it had not, to my mind, 



Introduction 31 

the freshness and originahty of Shakespeare. It was 
pathetic and graceful, but one could see how it was 
done. Katherine's last speeches, however, smacked 
strongly again of Fletcher. And altogether it seemed to 
me that if this act had occurred in one of the plays writ- 
ten by Beaumont and Fletcher in conjunction, it would 
probably have been thought that both of them had had a 
hand in it. ' 

" The first scene of the fifth act, and the opening of 
the second, I should again have confidently ascribed to 
Shakespeare, were it not that the whole passage seemed so 
strangely out of place. I could only suppose (what may 
indeed be supposed well enough if my conjecture with 
regard to the authorship of the several parts be correct) 
that the task of putting the whole together had been left 
to an inferior hand ; in which case I should consider this 
to be a genuine piece of Shakespeare's work, spoiled by 
being introduced where it has no business. In the 
execution of the christening scene, on the other hand (in 
spite again of the earliest and strongest associations), 1 
could see no evidence of Shakespeare's hand at all ; while 
in point of design it seemed inconceivable that a judg- 
ment like his could have been content with a conclusion 
so little in harmony with the prevailing spirit and pur- 
pose of the piece." 

Mr. Symons, who, as we have seen, believes that 
Shakespeare had no hand whatever in the play, remarks : 
" In looking at the characters in Henry VIII, we must 
not forget that they are all found ready-made in the 



32 King Henry the Eighth 

pages of Holinshed. The same might to a certain extent 
be said of all of Shakespeare's [English] historical plays ; 
the difference in the treatment, however, is very notable. 
In Henry VIII, Hohnshed is followed blindly and slav- 
ishly ; some of the most admirable passages of the play 
are almost word for word out of the Chronicles ; there are 
none of those illuminating touches by which Shakespeare 
is wont to transfigure his borrowings. Nor does Shake- 
speare content himself with embellishing ; he creates. 
Take, for example, Bolingbroke, of whose disposition 
Holinshed says but a few words ; the whole character is 
an absolute creation. . . . But in Henry VIII, Holin- 
shed is followed with a fidelity that is simply slavish. 
The character of Katherine, for instance, on which such 
lavish and unreasoning praise has been heaped, owes 
almost all its effectiveness to the picturesque narration 
of the Ch7^onicIes. There we see her, clearly outHned, an 
obviously workable character ; and it cannot be said that 
we get a higher impression of her from the play than we 
do from the history. To speak of the character of Kath- 
erine as one of the triumphs of Shakespeare's art seems 
to me altogether a mistake. The character is a fine one, 
and it seems, I confess, as far above Massinger as it is 
beneath Shakespeare. But test it for a moment by placing 
Katherine beside Hermione. The whole character is on 
a distinctly lower plane of art ; the wronged wife of Henry 
has (to me at least) none of the fascination of the wronged 
wife of Leontes ; there are no magic touches. Compare 
the trial-scene in Henry VIII (ii. 4) and the trial-scene 



Introduction 23 

in Winter's Tale (iii. 2). I should rather say contrast 
them, for I can see no possible comparison of the two. 
... As for the almost equally famous death-scene, I 
can simply express my astonishment that any one should 
have been found to say of it, with Johnson, that it is 
* above any other part of Shakespeare's tragedies, and 
perhaps above any scene of any other poet, tender and 
pathetic' Tender and pathetic it certainly is, but with a 
pathos just a httle hmp, if I may use the word — flaccid 
almost, though, thanks to the tonic draught of Holinshed, 
not so hmp and flaccid as Fletcher often is." ^ 

The critic adds that the character of Anne " is an un- 
mitigated failure; ... a faint and unpleasing sketch — 
the outline of one of those slippery women whom Mas- 
singer so often drew." Henry VIII is " a showy figure 
who plays his part of king not without effect " ; but if we 
" look deeper, we discover that there is nothing deeper 
to discover." He is " illogical, insubstantial, the merely 
superficial presentment of a deeply interesting historical 
figure, ... to whom Shakespeare would have given his 
keenest thought, his finest workmanship." Wolsey is 
even worse : " nowhere does he produce upon us that 
impression of tremendous power — of magnificence in 
good and evil — which it is clearly intended he should 
produce." AU this, "so incredible in Shakespeare, is 
precisely what we find again and again in his contempo- 

1 The death-scene is Fletcher's and what Mr. Symons says of it is 
true enough ; but the trial-scene is Shakespeare's, and deserves all the 
praise that others have given it. 
HENRY VIII — 3 



A 



34 King Henry the Eighth 

raries, and nowhere more than in Fletcher and Massinger." 
The evidences of Fletcher's part in the play seem to Mr. 
Symons "scarcely to admit of a doubt," but the other 
portions are " not by any means so clearly assignable 
to Massinger." 

The critic forgets that vo. Julius CcBsar, the authorship 
of which has never been doubted, Shakespeare follows 
his authority. North's Plutarch, as "slavishly" as here he 
follows Holinshed. " Not only the historical action in its 
ordinary course, but also the single characteristic traits 
in incidents and speeches, nay, even single expressions 
and words, are taken from Plutarch ; even such as are 
not anecdotal or of an epigrammatic nature, even such as 
one unacquainted with Plutarch would consider in form 
and manner to be quite Shakespearian, and which have 
not unfrequently been quoted as his peculiar property, 
testifying to the poet's deep knowledge of human nature. 
From the triumph over Pompey (or rather over his sons), 
the silencing of the two tribunes, and the crown offered 
at the Lupercalian feast, until Caesar's murder, and from 
thence to the battle of Philippi and the closing words of 
Antony, which are in part exactly as they were delivered, 
all in this play is essentially Plutarch" (Gervinus). In 
large portions of Coriolanus and Antony and Cleopatra 
the dramatist copies North with equal closeness, in many 
instances adopting even the phraseology of his authority. 
Yet in all these plays the leading characters are none the 
less " absolute creations." 

If in the present play Shakespeare follows Hohnshed 



Introduction 35 

more closely than in the other English plays, it may be 
partly due to the fact that for this reign the old chronicler 
was unusually full and unusually authentic. " It lay but 
a generation behind him, and he was able to weave into 
his own work the first-hand reports of contemporaries 
like Hall and Cavendi'^h " (Herford). 

Shakespeare, moreover, never deviates to any extent 
from his authorities unless he sees good reason for doing 
it. Mrs. Jameson, in her comments on the present play, 
remarks : " Schlegel observes somewhere^ that in the 
literal accuracy and apparent artlessness with which Shake- 
speare has adapted some of the events and characters of 
history to his dramatic purposes, he has shown equally 
his genius and his wisdom. This, like most of Schlegel's 
remarks, is profound and true ; and in this respect Kath- 
erine of Aragon may rank as the triumph of Shakespeare's 
genius and his wisdom. There is nothing in the whole 
range of poetical fiction in any respect resembling or 
approaching her ; there is nothing comparable, I suppose, 
but Katherine's own portrait by Holbein, which, equally 
true to the hfe, is yet as far inferior as Katherine's person 
was inferior to her mind. Not only has Shakespeare 
given us here a dehneation as faithful as it is beautiful, 
of a pecuhar modification of character, but he has be- 
queathed us a precious moral lesson in this proof that 
virtue alone — (by which I mean here the union of truth 
or conscience with benevolent affection — the one the 
highest law, the other the purest impulse of the soul) — 
that such virtue is a sufficient source of the deepest pathos 



^6 King Henry the Eighth 

and power without any mixture of foreign or external 
ornament ; for who but Shakespeare would have brought 
before us a queen and a heroine of tragedy, stripped her 
of all pomp of place and circumstance, dispensed with all 
the usual sources of poetical interest, as youth, beauty, 
grace, fancy, commanding intellect, and without any ap- 
peal to our imagination, without any violation of historical 
truth, or any sacrifices of the other dramatic personages 
for the sake of effect, could depend on the moral prin- 
ciple alone to touch the very springs of feeling in our 
bosoms, and melt and elevate our hearts through the 
purest and holiest impulses of our nature ! The charac- 
ter, when analyzed, is, in the first place, distinguished by 
tritth. I do not only mean its truth to nature, of its rela- 
tive truth arising from its historic fidehty and dramatic 
consistency, but truth as a quality of the soul : this is the 
basis of the character." 

"No doubt," as Herford remarks, "the nature of the 
subject imposed enormous difficulties on an Elizabethan 
dramatist. To render with imaginative sympathy the 
moving story of the divorce, and yet to remember that 
the glory of his own time had flowered from that mahgn 
plant, was to be under a continual provocation to the 
conflict of interests which the play has not escaped." 
The critic does not suggest that these difficulties in the 
subject may have led to vShakespeare's leaving the play 
unfinished; but that seems to me by no means improb- 
able. Fletcher would not have hesitated to attempt the 
completion of the task, though far less capable of cop- 



Introduction 37 

ing with its perplexities, if indeed he was capable of 
appreciating" them. 

A few of the editors and critics believe that Shake- 
speare and Fletcher collaborated in the composition of 
the play ; but this theory seems to me absolutely unten- 
able. In this case as in that of other late plays of mixed 
authorship, like Timon of Athens and Pericles, inferior 
workmen took up dramatic tasks that Shakespeare, for 
some reason, had abandoned. "Whatever the explana- 
tion may be of that mysterious withdrawal, before he was 
fifty, to the provincial amenities of Stratford, there is little 
doubt that he left some projects unfulfilled, some dramatic 
schemes half- wrought." Henry VIII was among these, 
and "passed into the hands of Shakespeare's brilliant 
successor, whose facile pen and lax artistic conscience 
lightly dared the problem which Shakespeare had declined, 
piecing out the interrupted destinies of his persons with 
death-scenes of a ready and fluent pathos, but contriving 
to lift into prominence all the lurking weaknesses of the 
plot. ... It was reserved for Fletcher to render Shake- 
speare's work fairly hable to Herzberg's summary of it as 
' a chronicle-history with three and a half catastrophes, 
varied by a marriage and a coronation pageant,' and to 
mingle the memory of the Enghsh Hermione's unavenged 
and unrepented wrongs with the dazzling coronation of 
her rival and exuberant prophecies over the cradle of her 
rival's child" (Herford). 



KING HENRY THE EIGHTH 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 



King Henry the Eighth. 
Cardinal Wolsey. 
Cardinal Campeius. 
Capucius, Ambassador from Charles V. 
Cranmer. Archbishop of Canterbury. 
Duke of Norfolk. 
Duke of Buckingham. 
Duke of Suffolk. 
Earl of Surrey. 
Lord Chamberlain. 
Lord Chancellor 

Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester. 
Bishop of Lincoln. 
Lord Abergavenny. 
Lord Sands. 
Sir Henry Guildford. 
Sir Thomas Lovell. 
Sir Anthony Denny. 
Sir Nicholas Vaux. 
Secretaries to Wolsey. 
Cromwell, Servant to Wolsey. 
Griffith, Gentleman Usher to Queen Katherine. 
Three other Gentlemen. Garter King at Arms. 
Doctor Butts, Physician to the King. 
Surveyor to the Duke of Buckingham. 
Brandon, and a Sergeant at Arms. 

Door-keeper of the Council Chamber. Porter and his Man. 
Page to Gardiner. A Crier. 

Queen Katherine, Wife to King Henry. 

Anne Bullen, her Maid of Honour, afterward Queen. 

An old Lady, Friend to Anne Bullen. 

Patience, Woman to Queen Katherine 

Several Lords and Ladies in the Dumb Shows; Women 
attending upon the Queen ; Spirits, which appear to 
her; Scribes, Officers, Guards, and other Attendants. 

Scene: Chiefly in London and Westminster ; once at 
Kimbolton. 




Queen Katherine 



PROLOGUE 

I COME no more to make you laugh ; things now 
That bear a weighty and a serious brow, 
Sad, high, and working, full of state and woe, 
Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow, 
We now present. Those that can pity here 
May, if they think it well, let fall a tear ; 
The subject will deserve it. Such as give 
Their money out of hope they may beheve 
May here find truth too. Those that come to see 
Only a show or two, and so agree 
The play may pass, if they be still and willing, 
I '11 undertake may see away their shilHng 

41 



42 King Henry the Eighth [Act i 

Richly in two short hours. Only they 

That come to hear a merry, bawdy play, 

A noise of targets, or to see a fellow 

In a long motley coat guarded with yellow. 

Will be deceiv'd ; for, gentle hearers, know, 

To rank our chosen truth with such a show 

As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting 

Our own brains and the opinion that we bring — 20 

To make that only true we now intend — 

Will leave us never an understanding friend. 

Therefore, for goodness' sake, and as you are known 

The first and happiest hearers of the town. 

Be sad as we would make ye. Think ye see 

The very persons of our noble story 

As they were living ; think you see them great. 

And follow'd with the general throng and sweat 

Of thousand friends; then, in a moment, see 

How soon this mightiness meets misery ; 30 

And if you can be merry then, I '11 say 

A man may weep upon his wedding day. 

ACT I 

Scene I. London. An Ante-chamber in the Palace 

Enter the Duke of Norfolk at one door ; at the other, the 
Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Abergavenny 

Buckingham. Good morrow, and well met. How 
have ye done 
Since last we saw in France ? 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 43 

Norfolk. I thank your grace, 

Healthful ; and ever since a fresh admirer 
Of what I saw there. 

Buckiiigham. An untimely ague 

Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber when 
Those suns of glory, those two lights of men, 
Met in the vale of Andren. 

Norfolk. 'Twixt Guynes and Arde. 

I was then present, saw them salute on horseback, 
Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung 
In their embracement, as they grew together ; 10 

Which had they, what four thron'd ones could have 

weigh'd 
Such a compounded one? 

Buckingham. All the whole time 

I was my chamber's prisoner. 

Norfolk. Then you lost 

The view of earthly glory ; men might say 
Till this time pomp was single, but now married 
To one above itself. Each following day 
Became the next day's master, till the last 
Made former wonders it's. To-day the French, 
All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods. 
Shone down the English, and to-morrow they 
Made Britain India ; every man that stood 
Show'd Hke a mine. Their dwarfish pages were 
As cherubins, all gilt ; the madams too,- 
Not us'd to toil, did almost sweat to bear 
The pride upon them, that their very labour 



20 



44 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

Was to them as a painting ; now this mask 

Was cried incomparable, and the ensuing night 

Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings, 

Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst. 

As presence did present them ; him in eye, 30 

Still him in praise, and, being present both, 

'T was said they saw but one, and no discerner 

Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns — 

For so they phrase 'em — by their heralds challeng'd 

The noble spirits to arms, they did perform 

Beyond thought's compass ; that former fabulous story, 

Being now seen possible enough, got credit, 

That Bevis was believ'd. 

Biickiiigham. O, you go far ! 

Norfolk. As I belong to worship and affect 
In honour honesty, the tract of every thing 40 

Would by a good discourser lose some life 
Which action's self was tongue to. All was royal ; 
To the disposing of it nought rebell'd. 
Order gave each thing view ; the office did 
Distinctly his full function. 

Buckingham. Who did guide, 

I mean, who set the body and the hmbs 
Of this great sport together, as you guess ? 

Norfolk. One, certes, that promises no element 
In such a business. 

Buckingham. I pray you, who, my lord ? 

Norfolk. All this was order'd by the good discretion 50 
Of the right reverend Cardinal of York. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 4^ 

Buckingham. The devil speed him ! no man's pie is 
freed 
From his ambitious finger. What had he 
To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder 
That such a keech can with his very bulk 
Take up the rays o' the beneficial sun, 
And keep it from the earth. 

Noi'folk. Surely, sir, 

There 's in him stuff that puts him to these ends ; 
For, being not propp'd by ancestry, whose grace 
Chalks successors their way, nor call'd upon .60 

For high feats done to the crown, neither allied 
To eminent assistants, but, spider-hke. 
Out of his self- drawing web, he gives us note 
The force of his own merit makes his way ; 
A gift that heaven gives for him, which buys 
A place next to the king. 

Abergavenny. I cannot tell 

What heaven hath given him, — let some graver eye 
Pierce into that ; but I can see his pride 
Peep through each part of him. Whence has he that ? 
If not from hell, the devil is a niggard, 70 

Or has given all before, and he begins 
A new hell in himself. 

Buckingham. Why the devil, 

Upon this French going-out, took he upon him. 
Without the privity o' the king, to appoint 
Who should attend on him? He makes up the file 
Of all the gentry, for the most part such 



46 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

To whom as great a charge as little honour 

He meant to lay upon ; and his own letter, 

The honourable board of council out, 

Must fetch him in he papers. ,^ 

Abergavenny, I do know 80 

Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have 
By this so sicken'd their estates that never 
They shall abound as formerly. 

Buckingham. O, many 

Have broke their backs with laying manors on 'em 
For this great journey. What did this vanity 
But minister communication of 
A most poor issue? 

Norfolk, Grievingly I think, 

The peace between the French and us not values 
The cost that did conclude it. 

Buckingham. Every man. 

After the hideous storm that follow'd, was 90 

A thing inspir'd, and, not consulting, broke 
Into a general prophecy, — that this tempest, 
Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded 
The sudden breach on 't. 

Norfolk. Which is budded out ; 

For France hath flaw'd the league, and hath at- 

tach'd 
Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux. 

Abergavenny. Is it therefore 

The ambassador is silenc'd ? 

Norfolk, Marry, is 't. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 47 

Abergavenny. A proper title of a peace, and purchas'd 
At a superfluous rate ! 

Buckingham. Why, all this business 

Our reverend cardinal carried. 

Norfolk. Like it your grace, 100 

The state takes notice of the private difference 
Betwixt you and the cardinal. I advise you — 
And take it from a heart that wishes towards you 
Honour and plenteous safety — that you read 
The cardinal's malice and his potency 
Together ; to consider further that 
What his high hatred would effect wants not 
A minister in his power. You know his nature. 
That he 's revengeful, and I know his sword 
Hath a sharp edge ; it 's long and 't may be said no 

It reaches far, and where 't will not extend ^1 

Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel ; 
You '11 find it wholesome. — Lo, where comes that rock 
That I advise your shunning ! 

Enter Cardinal Wolsey, the purse borne before him ; 
certain of the Guard and two Secretaries with 
papers. The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye 
on Buckingham, and Buckingham on him, both full 
of disdain 

Wolsey. The Duke of Buckingham's surveyor? ha ! 
Where 's his examination ? 

I Secretary. Here, so please you. 

Wolsey. Is he in person ready? 



48 King Henry the Eighth [Act i 

I Secretary. Ay, please your grace. 

Wolsey. Well, we shall then know more, and Bucking- 
ham 
Shall lessen this big look. \_Exeuiit Wolsey and train. 

Buckingham. This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd, 
and I 120 

Have not the power to muzzle him ; therefore, best 
Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar's book 
Out-worths a noble's blood. 

Norfolk. What, are you chafd ? 

Ask God for temperance ; that 's the appliance only 
Which your disease requires. 

Buckingham. I read in 's looks 

Matter against me, and his eye revil'd 
Me as his abject object; at this instant 
He bores me with some trick. He 's gone to the king ; 
I '11 follow and out-stare him. 

Norfolk. Stay, my lord, 

And let your reason with your choler question 130 

What 't is you go about. To climb steep hills 
Requires slow pace at first ; anger is like 
A full-hot horse, who being allow'd his way, 
Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England 
Can advise me like you ; be to yourself 
As you would to your friend. 

Buckingham. I '11 to the king, 

And from a mouth of honour quite cry down 
This Ipswich fellow's insolence, or proclaim 
There 's difference in no persons. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 49 

Norfolk. Be advis'd ; 

Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot 140 

That it do singe 3'ourself. We may outrun 
By violent swiftness that which we run at, 
And lose by over-running. Know you not 
The fire that mounts the liquor till 't run o'er 
In seeming to augment it wastes it ? Be advis'd ; 
I say again, there is no English soul 
More stronger to direct you than yourself, 
If with the sap of reason you would quench, 
Or but allay, the fire of passion. 

Buckingham. Sir, 

I am thankful to you, and I '11 go along 150 

By your prescription ; but this top-proud fellow — 
Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but 
From sincere motions — by intelligence 
And proofs as clear as founts in July, when 
We see each grain of gravel, I do know 
To be corrupt and treasonous. 

Norfolk. Say not treasonous. 

Biickinghmn. To the king I '11 say 't, and make my 
vouch as strong 
As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox. 
Or wolf, or both, — for he is equal ravenous 
As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief 160 

As able to perform 't, his mind and place 
Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally, — 
Only to show his pomp as well in France 
As here at home, suggests the king our master 

HENRY VIII — 4 



50 Ki^g Henry the Eighth [Act i 

To this last costly treaty, the interview 

That swallowed so much treasure and like a glass 

Did break i' the rinsing. 

Norfolk. Faith, and so it did. 

Buckingham, Pray give me favour, sir. This cunning 
cardinal 
The articles o' the combination drew 
As himself pleas'd ; and they were ratified, 170 

As he cried 'Thus let be,' to as much end 
As give a crutch to the dead. But our count-cardinal 
Has done this, and 't is well ; for worthy Wolsey, 
Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows, — 
Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy 
To the old dam, treason, — Charles the emperor, 
Under pretence to see the queen, his aunt, — 
For 't was indeed his colour, but he came 
To whisper Wolsey, — here makes visitation. 
His fears were that the interview betwixt 180 

England and France might, through their amity. 
Breed him some prejudice, for from this league 
Peep'd harms that menac'd him. He privily 
Deals with our cardinal, and, as I trow, — 
Which I do well, for I am sure the emperor 
Paid ere he promis'd, whereby his suit was granted 
Ere it was ask'd ; — but when the way was made, 
And pav'd with gold, the emperor thus desir'd, — 
That he would please to alter the king's course 
And break the foresaid peace. Let the king know — 190 
As soon he shall by me — that thus the cardinal 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 51 

Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases, 
And for his own advantage. 

No7'folk. I am sorry 

To hear this of him, and could wish he were 
Something mistaken in 't. 

Buckingham. No, not a syllable ; 

I do pronounce him in that very shape 
He shall appear in proof. 

Enter Brandon, with Sergeant at Arms and Guards 

Brandon. Your office, sergeant ; execute it. 

Sergeant. Sir, 

My lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earl 
Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I 200 

Arrest thee of high treason, in the name 
Of our most sovereign king. 

Buckiiigham. Lo you, my lord, 

The net has fallen upon me ! I shall perish 
Under device and practice. 

Brandon. I am sorry 

To see you ta'en from liberty, to look on 
The business present. 'T is his highness' pleasure 
You shall to the Tower. 

Buckingham. It will help me nothing 

To plead mine innocence, for that dye is on me 
Which makes my whitest part black. The will of heaven 
Be done in this and all things ! — I obey. — - 210 

O my Lord Aberga'ny, fare you well ! 

Brandon. Nay, he must bear you company. — The king 



52 King Henry the Eighth [Act i 

Is pleas'd you shall to the Tower, till you know 
How he determines farther. 

Abergavenny. As the duke said, 

The will of heaven be done, and the king's pleasure 
By me obey'd ! 

Brando?i. Here is a warrant from 

The king to attach Lord Montacute, and the bodies 
Of the duke's confessor, John de la Car, 
One Gilbert Peck, his chancellor, — 

Buckingham. So, so ; 

These are the limbs o' the plot. No more, I hope. 220 

Brandon. A monk o' the Chartreux. 

Buckingham. O, Nicholas Hopkins? 

Brandon. He. 

Buckingham. My surveyor is false ; the o'er-great car- 
dinal 
Hath show'd him gold. My life is spann'd already; 
I am the shadow of poor Buckingham, 
Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on, 
By darkening my clear sun. — My lord, farewell. '[^Exeunt. 

Scene II. The Council-chajuber 

Cornets. Enter King Henry, leaning on the Cardinal's 
shoulder, the Lords of the Council, Sir Thomas Lovell, 
Officers, and Attendants. The Cardinal places him- 
self under the Kin^ s feet on his 7'ight side. 

King Henry. My life itself, and the best heart of it, 
Thanks you for this great care. I stood i' the level 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 53 

Of a full charg'd confederacy, and give thanks 
To you that chok'd it. — Let be call'd before us 
That gentleman of Buckingham's ; in person 
I '11 hear him his confessions justify, 
And point by point the treasons of his master 
He shall again relate. 

[ The King takes his seat. The Lords of the Coun- 
cil occupy their several places, 

A noise within, ciying, ' Room for the Queen.' Enter 
the Queen, ushered by Norfolk and Suffolk ; she 
kneels. The King riseth from his state, takes her up, 
kisses her, and placeth her by him 

Queen Katherine. Nay, we must longer kneel ; I am 
a suitor. 

King Henry. Arise, and take place by us. — Half your 
suit 10 

Never name to us ; you have half our power. 
The other moiety, ere you ask, is given ; 
Repeat your will and take it. 

Queen Katherine. Thank your majesty. 

That you would love yourself, and in that love 
Not unconsider'd leave your honour, nor 
The dignity of your office, is the point 
Of my petition. 

King Henry. Lady mine, proceed.. 

Queen Katherifie. I am solicited, not by a few, 
And those of true condition, that your subjects 
Are in great grievance. There have been commissions 



54 King Henry the Eighth [Act i 

Sent down among 'em, which hath flaw'd the heart 21 
Of all their loyalties; — wherein, although, 
My good lord cardinal, they vent reproaches 
Most bitterly on you, as putter-on 
Of these exactions, yet the king our master — ■ 
Whose honour heaven shield from soil ! — even he es- 
capes not 
Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks 
The sides of loyalty and almost appears 
In loud rebellion. 

Norfolk. Not almost appears, — 

It doth appear ; for upon these taxations 30 

The clothiers all, not able to maintain 
The many to them longing, have put off 
The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who, 
Unfit for other hfe, compell'd by hunger 
And lack of other means, in desperate manner 
Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar, 
And danger serves among them. 

King Henry. Taxation ! 

Wherein ? and what taxation ? — My lord cardinal, 
You that are blam'd for it alike with us. 
Know you of this taxation ? 

Wolsey. Please you, sir, 40 

I know but of a single part, in aught 
Pertains to the state, and front but in that file 
Where others tell steps with me. 

Queen Katherine. No, my lord, 

You know no more than others ; but you frame 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth ^^ 

Things that are known ahke, which are not whole- 
some 
To those which would not know them and yet must 
Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions, 
Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are 
Most pestilent to the hearing; and, to bear 'em, 
The back is sacrifice to the load. They say 50 

They are devis'd by you, or else you suffer 
Too hard an exclamation. 

Xing Henry. Still exaction ! 

The nature of it? In what kind, let 's know, 
Is this exaction? 

Queen Katherine. I am much too venturous 
In tempting of your patience, but am bolden'd 
Under your promis'd pardon. The subjects' grief 
Comes through commissions, which compel from each 
The sixth part of his substance, to be levied 
Without delay ; and the pretence for this 
Is nam'd your wars in France. This makes bold mouths ; 
Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze 61 
Allegiance in them j their curses now 
Live where their prayers did, and it 's come to pass 
This tractable obedience is a slave 
To each incensed will. I would your highness 
Would give it quick consideration, for 
There is no primer business. 

King Henry. By my life, 

This is against our pleasure. 

Wolsey. And for me, 



56 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

I have no further gone in this than by 

A single voice, and that not pass'd me but 70 

By learned approbation of the judges. If I am 

Traduc'd by ignorant tongues, which neither know 

My faculties nor person, yet will be 

The chronicles of my doing, let me say 

'T is but the fate of place and the rough brake 

That virtue must go through. We must not stint 

Our necessary actions in the fear 

To cope malicious censurers, which ever, 

As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow 

That is new trimm'd, but benefit no further 80 

Than vainly longing. What we oft do best, 

By sick interpreters — once weak ones — is 

Not ours, or not allow'd ; what worst, as oft, 

Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up 

For our best act. If we shall stand still. 

In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at. 

We should take root here where we sit, or sit 

State-statues only. 

King Henry. Things done well. 

And with a care, exempt themselves from fear ; 
Things done without example, in their issue 90 

Are to be fear'd. Have you a precedent 
Of this commission? I believe not any. 
We must not rend our subjects from our laws. 
And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each ? 
A trembling contribution ! Why, we take 
From every tree lop, bark, and part o' the timber ; 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 57 

And, though we leave it with a root, thus hack'd. 

The air will drink the sap. To every county 

Where this is question'd, send our letters with 

Free pardon to each man that has denied 100 

The force of this commission. Pray look to 't ; 

I put it to your care. 

Wolsey. \_Aside to the Secretary\ A word with you. 
Let there be letters writ to every shire 
Of the king's grace and pardon. The griev'd commons 
Hardly conceive of me ; let it be nois'd 
That through our intercession this revokement 
And pardon comes. I shall anon advise you 
Further in the proceeding. \_Exit Secretary. 

Enter Surveyor 

Queen Kathei'-ine. I am sorry that the Duke of Buck- 
ingham 
Is run in your displeasure. 

King Henry. It grieves many. no 

The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare speaker ; 
To nature none more bound ; his training such 
That he may furnish and instruct great teachers, 
And never seek for aid out of himself; yet see, 
When these so noble benefits shall prove 
Not well dispos'd, the mind growing once corrupt, 
They turn to vicious forms, ten times -more ugly 
Than ever they were fair. This man so complete, 
Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders, and when we, 
Almost with ravish'd listening, could not find 12c 



58 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

His hour of speech a minute, — he, my lady, 

Hath into monstrous habits put the graces 

That once were his, and is become as black 

As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us ; you shall hear — 

This was his gentleman in trust — of him 

Things to strike honour sad. — Bid him recount 

The fore-recited practices, whereof 

We cannot feel too little, hear too much. 

Wolsey. Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what 
you, 
Most like a careful subject, have collected 130 

Out of the Duke of Buckingham. 

Kmg Henry. Speak freely. 

Surveyor. First, it was usual with him — every day . 
It would infect his speech, — that if the king 
Should without issue die, he '11 carry it so 
To make the sceptre his. These very words 
I 've heard him utter to his son-in-law. 
Lord Aberga'ny, to whom by oath he menac'd 
Revenge upon the cardinal. 

Wo/sey. Please your highness, note 

This dangerous conception in this point. 
Not friended by his wish, to your high person 140 

His will is most malignant, and it stretches 
Beyond you to your friends. 

Queen Katherine, My learn'd lord cardinal. 

Deliver all with charity. 

King Henry. Speak on. 

How grounded he his title to the crown 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 59 

Upon our fail? to this point hast thou heard him 
At any time speak aught? 

Surveyor. He was brought to this 

By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton. 

King Henij. What was that Henton? 

Surveyor. Sir, a Chartreux friar, 

His confessor ; who fed him every minute 
With words of sovereignty. 

King Henry. How know'st thou this? 150 

Surveyor. Not long before your highness sped to 
France, 
The duke, being at the Rose within the parish 
Saint Lawrence Poultney, did of me demand 
What was the speech among the Londoners 
Concerning the French journey? I replied, 
Men fear'd the French would prove perfidious. 
To the king's danger. Presently the duke 
Said 't was the fear indeed, and that he doubted 
'T would prove the verity of certain words 
Spoke by a holy monk, ' that oft,' says he, 160 

* Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit 
John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour 
To hear from him a matter of some moment ; 
Whom, after under the confession's seal 
He solemnly had sworn that what he spoke 
My chaplain to no creature living but 
To me should utter, with demure confidence 
This pausingly ensued : Neither the king nor 's heirs. 
Tell you the duke, shall prosper j bid him strive 



6o King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

To gain the love o' the commonalty ; the duke 170 

Shall govern England.' 

Qiieen Katherme. If I know you well, 
You were the duke's surveyor, and lost your office 
On the complaint o' the tenants ; take good heed 
You charge not in your spleen a noble person, 
And spoil your nobler soul. I say, take heed. 
Yes, heartily beseech you. 

Kmg Henry. Let him on. — 

Go forward. 

Surveyor. On my soul, I '11 speak but truth. 
I told my lord the duke, by the devil's illusions 
The monk might be deceiv'd ; and that 't was dangerous 

for him 
To ruminate on this so far, until 180 

It forg'd him some design, which, being believ'd. 
It was much like to do. He answer'd, ' Tush ! 
It can do me no damage ; ' adding further. 
That, had the king in his last sickness fail'd. 
The cardinal's and Sir Thomas Lovell's heads 
Should have gone off. 

King Henry. Ha ! what, so rank? Ah, ha ! 

There 's mischief in this man. — Canst thou say further? 

Surveyor. I can, my liege. 

Kmg Henry. Proceed. 

Surveyor. Being at Greenwich, 

After your highness had reprov'd the duke 
About Sir William Blomer, — 

King Henry. I remember 190 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 6i 

Of such a time ; being my sworn servant, 
The duke retain'd him his. — But on ; what hence ? 
Surveyor. ' If,' quoth he, ' I for this had been com- 
mitted, — 
As to the Tower I thought, — I would have play'd 
The part my father meant to act upon 
The usurper Richard, who, being at Sahsbury, 
Made suit to come in 's presence, which if granted, 
As he made semblance of his duty, would 
Have put his knife into him,' 

King Henry, A giant traitor ! 

Wolsey. Now, madam, may his highness live in free- 
dom, 200 
And this man out of prison? 

Queen Katheriiie. God mend all ! 

King Hen7j. There 's something more would out of 

thee ; what say'st? 
Surveyor. After ' the duke his father,' with ' the 
knife,' 
He stretch'd him, and, with one hand on his dagger, 
Another spread on 's breast, mounting his eyes, 
He did discharge a horrible oath, whose tenor 
Was, were he evil us'd, he would outgo 
His father by as much as a performance 
Does an irresolute purpose. 

King Henry. There 's his period, 

To sheathe his knife in us. He is attach'd ; 210 

Call him to present trial. If he may 
Find mercy in the law, 't is his j if none, 



62 King Henry the Eighth [Act i 

Let him not seek 't of us. By day and night, 

He 's traitor to the height. \_Exeunt. 

Scene III. A Room in the Palace 
Enter the Lord Chamberlain and Lord Sands 

Chainbei'lain. Is 't possible the spells of France 
should juggle 
Men into such strange mysteries ? 

Sands. New customs, 

Though they be never so ridiculous, 
Nay, let 'em be unmanly, yet are follow'd. 

Chamberlain. As far as I see, all the good our Enghsh 
Have got by the late voyage is but merely 
A fit or two o' the face ; but they are shrewd ones. 
For when they hold 'em you would swear directly 
Their very noses had been counsellors 
To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so. lo 

Sands. They have all new legs, and lame ones ; one 
would take it, 
That never saw 'em pace before, the spavin 
Or springhalt reign'd among 'em. 

Chamberlain. Death ! my lord, 

Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too 
That, sure, they 've worn out Christendom. — How now ? 
What news. Sir Thomas Lovell ? 

Enter Sir Thomas Lovell 

Lovell. Faith, my lord, 

I hear of none but the new proclamation 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 63 

That 's clapp'd upon the court-gate. 

Chamberlain. What is 't for? 

Lovell. The reformation of our travell'd gallants 
That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors. 20 

Chamberlain. I 'm glad 't is there ; now I would pray 
our monsieurs 
To think an English courtier may be wise, 
And never see the Louvre. 

Lovell. They must either — 

For so run the conditions — leave those remnants 
Of fool and feather that they got in France, 
With all their honourable points of ignorance 
Pertaining thereunto, — as fights and fireworks, 
Abusing better men than they can be. 
Out of a foreign wisdom, — renouncing clean 
The faith they have in tennis, and tall stockings, 30 

Short blister'd breeches, and those types of travel. 
And understand again like honest men. 
Or pack to their old playfellows. There, I take it. 
They may, cum privilegio, wear away 
The lag end of their lewdness, and be laugh'd at. 

Sands. 'T is time to give 'em physic, their diseases 
Are grown so catching. 

Chamberlain. What a loss our ladies 

Will have of these trim vanities ! 

Lovell. Ay, marry. 

There will be woe, indeed. 

Sands. I am glad they 're going, 

For, sure, there 's no converting of 'em ; now, 40 



64 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

An honest country lord, as I am, beaten 
A long time out of play, may bring his plain-song 
And have an hour of hearing, and, by 'r Lady, 
Held current music too. 

Chambej'lain. Well said. Lord Sands ; 

Your colt's tooth is not cast yet. 

Sands. No, my lord, 

Nor shall not, while I have a stump. 

Chambeidain. Sir Thomas, 

Whither were you a-going? 

Love 11. To the cardinal's. 

Your lordship is a guest too. 

Chamberlain. O, 't is true : 

This night he makes a supper, and a great one. 
To many lords and ladies ; there will be 50 

The beauty of this kingdom, I '11 assure you. 

Lovell. That churchman bears a bounteous mind in- 
deed, 
A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us ; 
His dews fall every where. 

Chamberlain. No doubt, he 's noble ; 

He had a black mouth that said other of him. 

Sands. He may, my lord, — has wherewithal ; in him 
Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine. 
Men of his way should be most hberal ; 
They are set here for examples. 

Chamberlain. True, they are so ; 

But few now give so great ones. My barge stays ; 60 

Your lordship shall along. — Come, good Sir Thomas, 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 6§ 

We shall be late else ; which I would not be, 
For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford, 
This night to be comptrollers. 

Sands. I am your lordship's. 

\_£xeun/. 

Scene IV. T/ie Presence-chamber in Yoi-k-place 

Hautboys. A small table under a state for the Cardinal^ 
a longer table for the guests ; then enter km^Y. Bullen, 
and divers l^oxds, Ladies, «;z^ Gentlewomen, as guests, 
atone door; at another door enter ^w. Henry Guildford 

Guildford. Ladies, a general welcome from his grace 
Salutes ye all ; this night he dedicates 
To fair content and you. None here, he hopes. 
In all this noble bevy, has brought with her 
One care abroad ; he would have all as merry 
As first good company, good wine, good welcome 
Can make good people. — O my lord ! you 're tardy ; 

Enter Lord Chamberlain, Lord Sands, and Sir Thomas 

LOVELL 

The very thought of this fair company 
Clapp'd wings to me. 

Chamberlain. You are young, Sir Harry Guildford. — 
Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? — Sir Harry, lo 

Place you that side, I '11 take the charge of this; 
His grace is entering. — Nay, you must not freeze ; 
Two women plac'd together makes cold weather. — 

HENRY Vin — 5 



66 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

My Lord Sands, you are one will keep 'em waking ; 
Pray, sit between these ladies. 

Sands. By my faith, 

And thank your lordship. — By your leave, sweet ladies. 

[^Seafs himself between Anne Biillen and another lady. 
If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me ; 
I had it from my father. 

Anne. Was he mad, sir ? 

Sands. O, very mad, exceeding mad ; in love too. 
But he would bite none ; just as I do now, 20 

He would kiss you twenty with a breath. \Kisses her. 

Chamberlain. Well said, my lord. — 

So now you 're fairly seated. — Gentlemen, 
The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies 
Pass away frowning. 

Sands. For my little cure, 

Let me alone. 

Hautboys. Enter Cardinal Wolsey, attended, and takes 

his state 

Wolsey. Ye 're welcome, my fair guests ; that noble lady, 
Or gentleman, that is not freely merry, 
Is not my friend. This to confirm my welcome ; 
And to you all good health. [Drinks. 

Sands. Your grace is noble ; 

Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks, 3° 

And save me so much talking. 

Wolsey. My Lord Sands, 

I am beholding to you ; cheer your neighbours. — 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth /"" 67 



Ladies, you are not merry ; — gentlemen, 
Whose fault is this ? 

Sands. The red wine first must rise 

In their fair cheeks, my lord ; then we shall have 'em 
Talk us to silence. 

Anne. You are a merry gamester, 

My Lord Sands. 

Sands. Yes, if I make my play. 

Here 's to your ladyship ; and pledge it, madam. 
For 't is to such a thing — 

Anne. You cannot show me. 

Sands. I told your grace they would talk anon, 

\_Drum and trumpets within ; chambers discharged. 

Wolsey. What's that? 40 

Chamberlain. Look out there, some of ye. 

[Exit a Servant. 
Wolsey. What warlike voice, 

And to what end is this? — Nay, ladies, fear not 3 
By all the laws of war ye 're privileg'd. 

Servant returns 

Chamberlain. How now ! what is 't? 

Servant. A noble troop of strangers, 

For so they seem ; they Ve left their barge and landed, 
And hither make, as great ambassadors 
From foreign princes. 

Wolsey. Good lord chamberlain, 

Go, give 'em welcome, — you can speak the French 
tongue, — 



68 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

And, pray, receive 'em nobly and conduct 'em 

Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty 50 

Shall shine at full upon them. — Some attend him. — 

\Exit Chamberlain, attended. All arise, and the 
tables are removed. 
You have now a broken banquet, but we '11 mend it. 
A good digestion to you all ; and once more 
I shower a welcome on ye. — Welcome all. — 

Hautboys. Enter the King and others, as maskers, habited 
like Shepherds, ushered by the Lord Chamberlain. They 
pass directly before the Cardinal, and gracefully salute 
him 

A noble company ! what are their pleasures? 

Chamberlain. Because they speak no English, thus 
they pray'd 
To tell your grace : that, having heard by fame 
Of this so noble and so fair assembly 
This night to meet here, they could do no less. 
Out of the great respect they bear to beauty, 60 

But leave their flocks, and under your fair conduct 
Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat 
An hour of revels with 'em. 

Wolsey. Say, lord chamberlain, 

They have done my poor house grace, for which I pay 

'em 
A thousand thanks and pray 'em take their pleasures. 

\Ladies chosen for the dance. The King takes Anne 
Bullen. 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 69 

King Henry. The fairest hand I ever touch'd. O 
beauty ! 
Till now I never knew thee. {Music. Dance, 

Wolsey. My lord, — 

Chaniberlain. Your grace ? 

Wolsey. Pray tell 'em thus much from me : 

There should be one amongst 'era, by his person, 
More worthy this place than myself, to whom, 70 

If I but knew him, with my love and duty 
I would surrender it. 

Chamberlain. I will, my lord. 

{Chamberlain goes to the maskers, and returns. 

Wolsey. What say they? 

Chamberlain. Such a one, they all confess. 

There is indeed ; which they would have your grace 
Find out, and he will take it. 

Wolsey. Let me see then. — 

{Comes from his state. 
By all your good leaves, gentlemen ; here I '11 make 
My royal choice. 

King Henry. You have found him, cardinal. 

{Unmasks. 

You hold a fair assembly ; you do well, lord. 
You are a churchman, or, I '11 tell you, cardinal, 
I should judge now unhappily. 

Wolsey. I am glad 80 

Your grace is grown so pleasant. 

King Henry. My lord chamberlain. 

Prithee, come hither. What fair lady 's that? 



70 King Henry the Eighth [Act I 

Chamberlain. An 't please your grace, Sir Thomas 
Bullen's daughter, — 
The Viscount Rochford, — one of her highness' women. 

King Henry. By heaven, she is a dainty one ! — Sweet- 
heart, 
I were unmannerly to take you out 
And not to kiss you. — A health, gentlemen ! 
Let it go round. 

Wolsey. Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready 
I' the privy chamber? 

Lovell. Yes, my lord. 

Wolsey. Your grace, 90 

I fear, with dancing is a little heated. 

King Henry. I fear, too much. 

Wolsey. There 's fresher air, my lord. 

In the next chamber. 

King Henry. Lead in your ladies, every one. — Sweet 
partner, 
I must not yet forsake you. — Let 's be merry, 
Good my lord cardinal. I have half a dozen healths 
To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure 
To lead 'em once again ; and then let 's dream 
Who 's best in favour. — Let the music knock it. 

\Exeunt with trumpets. 




Buckingham 



ACT II 

Scene I. A Street 
Enter two Gentlemen, meeting 

1 Gentleman. Whither away so fast? 

2 Gentleman. O ! — God save ye ! 
Even to the hall, to hear what shall become 

Of the great Duke of Buckingham. 

1 Gentlemaii. I '11 save you 
That labour, sir. All 's now done but the ceremony 
Of bringing back the prisoner. 

2 Gentleman. Were you there ? 

1 Gentleman. Yes, indeed, was I. 

2 Gentleman. Pray, speak what has happen'd. 
I Gentleman. You may guess quickly what. 

71 



72 King Henry the Eighth [Act ii 

2 Gentleman. Is he found guilty? 

1 Gentleman. Yes, truly is he, and condemn'd upon 't. 

2 Gentleman. I am sorry for 't. 

1 Gentletnan. So are a number more. 

2 Gentleman. But, pray, how pass'd it ! lo 

1 Gentleman. I '11 tell you in a little. The great duke 
Came to the bar, where to his accusations 

He pleaded still not guilty and alleg'd 

Many sharp reasons to defeat the law. 

The king's attorney, on the contrary, 

Urg'd on the examinations, proofs, confessions 

Of divers witnesses, which the duke desir'd 

To have brought viva voce to his face, — 

At which appear'd against him his surveyor ; 

Sir Gilbert Peck, his chancellor ; and John Car, 20 

Confessor to him ; with that devil- monk, 

Hopkins, that made this mischief. 

2 Gentleman. That was he 
That fed him with his prophecies? 

1 Gentleman. The same. 
All these accus'd him strongly, which he fain 
Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not ; 
And so his peers, upon this evidence, 

Have found him guilty of high treason. Much 
He spoke, and learnedly, for Hfe ; but all 
Was either pitied in him or forgotten. 

2 Gentleman. After all this, how did he bear himself ? 
I Gentleman. When he was brought again to the bar, 

to hear 31 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 73 

His knell rung out, his judgment, he was stirr'd 
With such an agony he sweat extremely. 
And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty ; 
But he fell to himself again, and sweetly 
In all the rest show'd a most noble patience. 
2 Gentleman. I do not think he fears death. 

1 Gentleman. Sure, he does not, 
He was never so womanish ; the cause 

He may a little grieve at. 

2 Gentleman. Certainly, 
The cardinal is the end of this. 

1 Gentleman. 'T is likely, 40 
By all conjectures : first, Kildare's attainder. 

Then deputy of Ireland ; who remov'd. 

Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too, 

Lest he should help his father. 

2 Gentleman. That trick of state 
Was a deep envious one. 

1 Gentleman. At his return 
No doubt he will requite it. This is noted. 
And generally, whoever the king favours, 
The cardinal instantly will find employment. 
And far enough from court too. 

2 Gentleman. All the commons 
Hate him perniciously, and, o' my conscience, 50 
Wish him ten fathom deep ; this duke. as much 

They love and dote on, call him bounteous Bucking- 
ham, 
The mirror of all courtesy, — 



74 King Henry the Eighth [Act ii 

1 Gentleman. Stay there, sir ; 
And see the noble rum'd man you speak of. 

Enter Buckingham fi'-om his arraignment ; Tipstaves be- 
fore him ; the axe, with the edge towards him ; Hal- 
berds on each side ; accompanied with Sir Thomas 
LovELL, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir William Sands, and 
Common People 

2 Gentleman. Let 's stand close and behold him. 
Buckingham. All good people, 

You that thus far have come to pity me. 

Hear what I say and then go home and lose me. 

I have this day receiv'd a traitor's judgment, 

And by that name must die ; yet, heaven bear witness, 

And if I have a conscience, let it sink me, 60 

Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful ! 

The law I bear no malice for my death, 

'T has done upon the premises but justice ; 

But those that sought it I could wish more Christians. 

Be what they will, I heartily forgive 'em. 

Yet let 'em look they glory not in mischief. 

Nor build their evils on the graves of great men ; - 

For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em. 

For further life in this world I ne'er hope. 

Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies 70 

More than I dare make faults. You few that lov'd me 

And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, 

His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave 

Is only bitter to him only dying. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 75 

Go with me, like good angels, to my end ; 

And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, 

Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice 

And lift my soul to heaven, — Lead on, o' God's name. 

Lovell. I do beseech your grace for charity, 
If ever any malice in your heart 80 

Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly. 

Buckingham. Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you 
As I would be forgiven ; I forgive all. 
There cannot be those numberless offences 
'Gainst me that I cannot take peace with ; no black envy 
Shall mark my grave. Commend me to his grace ; 
And, if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him 
You met him half in heaven. My vows and prayers 
Yet are the king's, and till my soul forsake 
Shall cry for blessings on him ; may he live 90 

Longer than I have time to tell his years ! 
Ever belov'd and loving may his rule be ! 
And when old Time shall lead him to his end. 
Goodness and he fill up one monument ! 

Lovell. To the water side I must conduct your grace, 
Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, 
Who undertakes you to your end. 

Vaux. Prepare there ! 

The duke is coming ; see the barge be ready. 
And fit it with such furniture as suits ■ 
The greatness of his person. 

Buckingham. Nay, Sir Nicholas, 100 

Let it alone ; my state now will but mock me. 



76 King Henry the Eighth [Act II 

When I came hither I was Lord High Constable 

And Duke of Buckingham, now poor Edward Bohun ; 

Yet I am richer than my base accusers, 

That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it, 

And with that blood will make 'em one day groan for 't. 

My noble father, Henry of Buckingham, 

Who first rais'd head against usurping Richard, 

Flying for succour to his servant Banister, 

Being distress'd, was by that wretch betray'd, no 

And without trial fell. God's peace be with him ! 

Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying 

My father's loss, like a most royal prince, 

Restor'd me to my honours, and out of ruins 

Made my name once more noble. Now, his son, 

Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name, and all 

That made me happy, at one stroke has taken 

Forever from the world. I had my trial. 

And must needs say a noble one, which makes me 

A little happier than my wretched father ; 120 

Yet thus far we are one in fortunes, — both 

Fell by our servants, by those men we lov'd most — 

A most unnatural and faithless service ! 

Heaven has an end in all ; yet, you that hear me, 

This from a dying man receive as certain : 

Where you are hberal of your loves and counsels. 

Be sure you be not loose ; for those you make friends 

And give your hearts to, when they once perceive 

The least rub in your fortunes, fall away 

Like water from ye, never found again 130 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 77 

But where they mean to sink ye. All good people, 
Pray for me ! I must now forsake ye ; the last hour 
Of my long weary hfe is come upon me. 
Farewell ; and when you would say something that is sad, 
Speak how I fell. — I have done, and God forgive me ! 

\_Exeujit Buckingham^ etc. 

I Gentleman. O, this is full of pity ! — Sir, it calls, 
I fear, too many curses on their heads 
That were the authors. 

2 Gentleman. If the duke be guiltless, 

'T is full of woe ; yet I can give you inkling 
Of an ensuing evil, if it fall, 140 

Greater than this. 

1 Gentleman. Good angels keep it from us ! 
What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir? 

2 Gentleman. This secret is so weighty 't will require 
A strong faith to conceal it. 

1 Gentleman. Let me have it ; 
I do not talk much. 

2 Gentleman. I am confident ; 

You shall, sir. Did you not of late days hear 
A buzzing of a separation 
Between the king and Katherine ? 

1 Gentleman. Yes, but it held not : 
For when the king once heard it, out of anger 

He sent command to the lord mayor straight 150 

■To stop the rumour and allay those tongues 
That durst disperse, it. 

2 Gentleman. But that slander, sir, 



7 8 King Henry the Eighth [Act ll 

Is found a truth now ; for it grows again 
Fresher than e'er it was, and held for certain 
The king will venture at it. Either the cardinal, 
Or some about him near, have, out of malice 
To the good queen, possess'd him with a scruple 
That will undo her. To confirm this, too. 
Cardinal Campeius is arriv'd, and lately ; 
As all think, for this business. 

1 Gentleman. 'T is the cardinal ; i6o 
And merely to revenge him on the emperor 

For not bestowing on him, at his asking. 
The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purpos'd. 

2 Gentleman. I think you have hit the mark ; but is *t 

not cruel 
That she should feel the smart of this ? The cardinal 
Will have his will and she must fall. 

I Gentkfnan. 'T is woeful. 

We are too open here to argue this ; 
Let 's think in private more. \_Exeunt. 

Scene II. An Ante-chamber in the Palace 

Enter the Lord Chamberlain, reading a letter 

Chamberlain. ' My Lord, — The horses your lord- 
ship sent for, with all the cai'e I had, I saw well 
chosen, ridden, and furnished. They were yoimg and 
handsome, and of the best breed in the North. When 
they were ready to set out for London, a man of my 
lord cardinal's, by commission and main power, took 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 79 

V;;z from me ; with this reasofi, — his master would 
be se7'ved before a siibject, if not before the king, which 
stopf d our i?iouths, sir.^ 

I fear he will indeed. Well, let him have them ; 10 

He will have all, I think. 

Enter the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk 

Norfolk. Well met, my lord chamberlain. 

Chamberlain. Good day to both your graces. 

Suffolk. How is the king employ'd? 

Chamberlain. I left him private, 

Full of sad thoughts and troubles. 

No7folk. What 's the cau^e? 

Chamberlain. It seems the marriage with his broth- 
er's wife 
Has crept too near his conscience. 

Suffolk. No ; his conscience 

Has crept too near another lady. 

Norfolk. 'T is so. 

This is the cardinal's doing, the king-cardinal ; 
That blind priest, like the eldest son of fortune, 20 

Turns what he list. The king will know him one day. 

Suffolk. Pray God he do ! he '11 never know himself 
else. 

Norfolk. How holily he works in all his business. 
And with what zeal ! for, now he has crack'd the league 
Between us and the emperor, the queen's great nephew, 
He dives into the king's soul, and there scatters 
Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience. 



8o King Henry the Eighth [Act il 

Fears and despairs, — and all these for his marriage. 

And out of all these to restore the king, 

He counsels a divorce : a loss of her 30 

That like a jewel has hung twenty years 

About his neck, yet never lost her lustre ; 

Of her that loves him with that excellence 

That angels love good men with ; even of her 

That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls, 

Will bless the king. And is not this course pious? 

Chamberlain. Heaven keep me from such counsel ! 
'T is most true, 
These news are every where ; every tongue speaks 'em. 
And every true heart weeps for 't. All that dare 
Look into these affairs see this main end, — 40 

The French king's sister. Heaven will one day open 
The king's eyes, that so long have slept upon 
This bold bad man. 

Suffolk. And free us from his slavery. 

Norfolk. We had need pray, 
And heartily, for our deliverance. 
Or this imperious man will work us all 
From princes into pages. All men's honours 
Lie like one lump before him, to be fashion'd 
Into what pitch he please. 

Suffolk. For me, my lords, 

I love him not, nor fear him ; there 's my creed. 50 

As I am made without him, so I '11 stand. 
If the king please. His curses and his blessings 
Touch me alike ; they 're breath I not believe in. 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 8i 

I knew him and I know him ; so I leave him 
To him that made him proud, the pope. 

Norfolk. Let 's in, 

And with some other business put the king 
From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him. — 
My lord, you '11 bear us company? 

Chamberlain. Excuse me; 

The king hath sent me other where ; besides. 
You '11 find a most unfit time to disturb him. 60 

Health to your lordships. 

Norfolk. Thanks, my good lord chamberlain. 

\_Exit Lord Chamberlain. 

Norfolk draws a curtain. The King is discovered sitting, 
and reading pensively 

Suffolk. How sad he looks ! sure, he is much afflicted. 

King Henry. Who is there ? ha ! 

Norfolk. Pray God he be not angry ! 

King Henry. Who's there, I say? How dare you 
thrust yourselves 
Into my private meditations? 
Who am I ? ha ! 

Norfolk. A gracious king, that pardons all offences 
Malice ne'er meant; our breach of duty this way 
Is business of estate, in which we come 
To know your royal pleasure. 

King Henry. Ye are too bold. 70 

Go to ; I '11 make ye know your times of business. 
Is this an hour for temporal affairs ? ha ! — 

HENRY VIII — 6 



82 King Henry the Eighth [Act ii 

Enter Wolsey and Campeius 

Who 's there? my good lord cardinal? — O, my Wolsey, 

The quiet of my wounded conscience ! 

Thou art a cure fit for a king. — You 're welcome, 

S^To Campeius. 
Most learned reverend sir, into our kingdom ; 
Use us and it. — [71? Wolsey\ My good lord, have great 

care 
I be not found a talker. 

Wolsey. Sir, you cannot. 

I would your grace would give us but an hour 
Of private conference. 

King Henry. \To Noifolk and Suffolk'\ We are busy ; 
go. 80 

Norfolk. \_Aside, as they retire'] This priest has no 
pride in him. 

Suffolk. Not to speak of; 

I would not be so sick though for his place. 
But this cannot continue. 

Norfolk. If it do, 

I '11 venture one have-at-him. 

Suffolk. I another. 

\_Exeunt Norfolk and Suffolk. 

Wolsey. Your grace has given a precedent of wisdom 
Above all princes, in committing freely 
Your scruple to the voice of Christendom. 
Who can be angry now? what envy reach )aou? 
The Spaniard, tied by blood and favour to her, 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 83 

Must now confess, if they have any goodness, 90 

The trial just and noble. All the clerks, 

I mean the learned ones, in Christian kingdoms 

Gave their free voices. Rome, the nurse of judgment. 

Invited by your noble self, hath sent 

One general tongue unto us, this good man. 

This just and learned priest. Cardinal Campeius, 

Whom once more I present unto your highness. 

King Henry. And once more in mine arms I bid him 
welcome. 
And thank the holy conclave for their loves ; 
They have sent me such a man I would have wish'd for. 
Campeius. Your grace must needs deserve all stran- 
gers' loves, loi 
You are so noble. To your highness' hand 
I tender my commission, — by whose virtue — 
The court of Rome commanding — you, my Lord 
Cardinal of York, are join'd with me their servant 
In the unpartial judging of this business. 

King Henry. Two equal men. The queen shall be 
acquainted 
Forthwith for what you come. — Where 's Gardiner ? 
Wolsey. I know your majesty has always lov'd her 
So dear in heart not to deny her that no 

A woman of less place might ask by law, — 
Scholars, allow' d freely to argue for her. 

King Henry. Ay, and the best she shall have ; and my 
favour 
To him that does best — God forbid else ! Cardinal, 



84 King Henry the Eighth [Act 11 

Prithee, call Gardiner to me, my new secretary ; 

I find him a fit fellow. S^Exii Wolsey. 

Enter Wolsey, with Gardiner 

Wolsey. Give me your hand ; much joy and favour to 
you ! 
You are the king's now. 

Gaj'diner. \_Aside to Wolsey\ But to be commanded 
For ever by your grace, whose hand has rais'd me. 

King Henry. Come hither, Gardiner. 120 

\_They walk and whisper. 

Campeius. My Lord of York, was not one Doctor 
Pace 
In this man's place before him ? 

Wolsey. Yes, he was. 

Campeius. Was he not held a learned man? 

Wolsey. Yes, surely. 

Campeius. Believe me, there 's an ill opinion spread, 
then, 
Even of yourself, lord cardinal. 

Wolsey. How of me ? 

Campeius. They will not stick to say you envied him, 
And fearing he would rise, he was so virtuous, 
Kept him a foreign man still, which so griev'd him 
That he ran mad and died. 

Wolsey. Heaven's peace be with him ! 

That 's Christian care enough ; for living murmurers 130 
There 's places of rebuke. He was a fool, 
For he would needs be virtuous. That good fellow. 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 85 

If I command him, follows my appointment; 

I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother, 

We live not to be grip'd by meaner persons. 

King Henry. Deliver this with modesty to the queen. — 

\_Exit Gai'diner. 
The most convenient place that I can think of, 
For such receipt of learning, is Black-friars ; 
There ye shall meet about this weighty business. — 
My Wolsey, see it furnish'd. — O my lord ! 140 

Would it not grieve an able man to leave 
So sweet a bedfellow? But conscience, conscience, — 
O, 't is a tender place ! and I must leave her. [_Exeunt. 



Scene III. An Ante-chamber in the Queen's Apartments 

Enter Anne Bullen and an Old Lady 

Anne. Not for that neither; — here's the pang that 
pinches : 
His highness having liv'd so long with her, and she 
So good a lady, that no tongue could ever 
Pronounce' dishonour of her, — by my hfe. 
She never knew harm-doing ! — O, now, after 
So many courses of the sun enthron'd, 
Still growing in a majesty and pomp, the wh^ch 
To leave a thousand-fold more bitter than 
'T is sweet at first to acquire, after this process, 
To give her the avaunt ! it is a pity 10 

Would move a monster. 



86 King Henry the Eighth [Act il 

Old Lady. Hearts of most hard temper 

Melt and lament for her. 

Anne. O, God's will ! much better 

She ne'er had known pomp ; though 't be temporal, 
Yet if that quarrel, Fortune, do divorce 
It from the bearer, 't is a sufferance panging 
As soul and body's severing. 

Old Lady. Alas, poor lady ! 

She 's a stranger now again. 

Anne. So much the more 

Must pity drop upon her. Verily, 
I swear 't is better to be lowly born, 
xA.nd range with humble livers in content, 20 

Than to be perk'd up in a glistering grief 
And wear a golden sorrow. 

Old Lady. Our content 

Is our best having. 

Anne. By my troth and maidenhead, 

I would not be a queen. 

Old Lady. Beshrew me, I would. 

And venture maidenhead for 't ; and so would you. 
For all this spice of your hypocrisy. 
You that have so fair parts of woman on you, 
Have, too, a woman's heart, which ever yet 
Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty, 
Which, to say sooth, are blessings ; and which gifts — ^o 
Saving your mincing — the capacity 
Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive. 
If you might please to stretch it. 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 87 

Amie. Nay, good troth, — 

Old Lady. Yes, troth, and troth. — You would not be 
a queen? 

Anne. No, not for all the riches under heaven. 

Old Lady. 'T is strange ; a threepence bow'd would 
hire me, 
Old as I am, to queen it. But, I pray you. 
What think you of a duchess ? Have you limbs 
To bear that load of title ? 

Anne. No, in truth. 

Old Lady. Then you are weakly made. Pluck off a 
little ; 40 

I would not be a young count in your way. 
For more than blushing comes to. 

Anne. How you do talk ! 

I swear again, I would not be a queen 
For all the world. 

Old L.ady. In faith, for little England 

You'd venture an emballing ; I myself 
Would for Carnarvonshire, although there long'd 
No more to the crown but that. — Lo, who comes here ? 

Enter the Lord Chamberlain 

Chamberlain. Good morrow, ladies. What were 't 
worth to know 
The secret of your conference ? 

Anne. My good lord, 

Not your demand ; it values not your asking. 50 

Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying. 



88 King Henry the Eighth [Act ii 

Chamberlain. It was a gentle business, and becoming 
The action of good women ; there is hope 
All will be well. 

Anne. Now, I pray God, amen ! 

Chamberlain. You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly 
blessings 
Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady, 
Perceive I speak sincerely and high note 's 
Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty 
Commends his good opinion to you, and 
Does purpose honour to you no less flowing 60 

Than Marchioness of Pembroke ; to which title 
A thousand pound a year, annual support. 
Out of his grace he adds. 

Anne. I do not know 

What kind of my obedience I should tender. 
More than my all is nothing, nor my prayers 
Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes 
More worth than empty vanities ; yet prayers and wishes 
Are all I can return. Beseech your lordship, 
Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience. 
As from a blushing handmaid, to his highness, 70 

Whose health and royalty I pray for. 

Chamberlain. Lady, 

I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit 
The king hath of you. — \_Aside~\ I have perus'd her well. 
Beauty and honour in her are so mingled 
That they have caught the king ; and who knows yet 
But from this lady may proceed a gem 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 89 

To lighten all this isle ? — \^To her\ I '11 to the king. 
And say I spoke with you. 

Anne. My honour'd lord. 

\_Exii Lord Chamberlain. 

Old Lady. Why, this it is ; see, see ! 
I have been begging sixteen years in court — So 

Am yet a courtier beggarly, ^ nor could 
Come pat betwixt too early and too late 
For any suit of pounds ; anS you, O fate ! 
A very fresh-fish here, — fie, fie upon 
This compell'd fortune ! — have your mouth fill'd up 
Before you open it. 

Anne. This is strange to me. 

Old Lady. How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence, no. 
There was a lady once — 't is an old story — 
That would not be a queen, that would she not. 
For all the mud in Egypt ; — have you heard it? 90 

Anne. Come, you are pleasant. 

Old Lady. With your theme I could 

O'ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke ! 
A thousand pounds a year ! — for pure respect ; 
No other obligation ! By my life, 
That promises moe thousands ; honour's train 
Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time 
I know your back will bear a duchess. — Say, 
Are you not stronger than you were? 

Anne. Good lady. 

Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy. 
And leave me out on 't. Would I had no being, 100 



90 King Henry the Eighth [Act ii 

If this salute my blood a jot ! it faints me 
To think what follows. — 
The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful 
In our long absence. Pray dd not deliver 
What here you've heard to her. 

Old Lady. What do you think me ? 

\_Exeunt. 

Scene IV. A Hall in Black-friars 

Trumpets^ sennet, and cor7iets. Enter two Vergers, with 
short silver wands ; next them, two Scribes, in the habit 
of doctors ; after them, the Archbishop of Canterbury 
alone ; after him, the Bishops of Lincoln, Ely, Rochester, 
and Saint Asaph ; next them, with some small distance, 
folloivs a Gentleman bea,ring the purse, with the great 
seal, and a ca^-dinaPs hat; then two Priests, bearing 
each a silver cross ; then a Gentleman-Usher bare- 
headed, accompanied with a Sergeant-at-Arms, bear- 
ing a silver mace ; then two Gentlemen, bearing two 
great silver pillars ; after them, side by side, the two 
Cardinals, Wolsey and Campeius ; two Noblemen with 
the sword and mace. Then enter the King with his 
train, followed by the Queen with hers. The King takes 
place under the cloth of state ; the two Cardinals sit 
under him as judges. The Queen takes place at some 
distance frojn the King. The Bishops place themselves 
on each side the court, in manner of a consistory ; be- 
low them, the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 91 

The rest of the Attendants stand in convenient order 
about the stage 

Wolsey. Whilst our commission from Rome is read 
Let silence be commanded. 

King Henry. What 's the need? 

It hath already publicly been read, 
And on all sides the authority allow'd; 
You may, then, spare that time. 

Wolsey. Be 't so. — Proceed. 

Scribe. Say, Henry, King of England, come into 
the court. 

Cf'ier. Henry, King of England, come into the court. 
King Hen ry. H ere . 

Scribe. Say, Katherine, Queen of England, come 10 
into the court. 

C7'ier. Katherine, Queen of England, come into 
the court. 

\_The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her 
chair, goes aboiU the court, comes to the King, 
f and kneels at his feet ; then speaks. 

N Queen Katherine. Sir, I desire you do me right and 
justice. 
And to bestow your pity on me ; for 
I am a most poor woman, and a stranger, 
Born out of your dominions, having here 
No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance 
Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir. 
In what have I offended you? what cause 20 



92 King Henry the Eighth [Act il 

Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure, 
That thus you should proceed to put me off 
And take your good grace from me? Heaven wit- 
ness 
I have been to you a true and humble wife, 
At all times to your will conformable, 
Ever in fear to kindle your dislike. 
Yea, subject to your countenance ; glad or sorry, 
As I saw it inchn'd. When was the hour 
I ever contradicted your desire. 

Or made it not mine too ? Or which of your friends 30 
Have I not strove to love, although I knew 
He were mine enemy? what friend of mine 
That had to him deriv'd your anger, did I 
Continue in my liking? nay, gave notice 
He was from thence discharg'd. Sir, call to mind 
That I have been your wife in this obedience 
Upward of twenty years, and have been blest 
With many children by you. If in the course 
And process of this time you can report. 
And prove it too, against mine honour aught, 40 

My bond to wedlock, or my love and duty. 
Against your sacred person, in God's name. 
Turn me away ; and let the foul'st contempt 
Shut door upon me, and so give me up 
To the sharp'st kind of justice. Please you, sir, 
The king your father was reputed for 
A prince most prudent, of an excellent 
And unmatch'd wit and judgment ; Ferdinand, 



Scene ivj King Henry the Eighth 93 

My father, King of Spain, was reckon'd one 

The wisest prince that there had reign' d by many 50 

A year before. It is not to be question'd 

That they had gather'd a wise council to them 

Of every reahii, that did debate this business, 

Who deem'd our marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly 

Beseech you, sir^ to spare me till I may 

Be by my friends in Spain advis'd, whose counsel 

I will implore ; if not, i' the name of God, 

Your pleasure be fulfill'd ! 

Wolsey. You have here, lady, — 

And of your choice, — these reverend fathers ; men 
Of singular integrity and learning, 60 

Yea, the elect o' the land, who are assembled 
To plead your cause. It shall be therefore bootless 
That longer you desire the court, as well 
For your own quiet as to rectif/^^ 
What is unsettled in the king. " 

Campeius. His grace 

Hath spoken well and justly ; therefore, madam, 
It 's fit this royal session do proceed, 
And that without delay their arguments 
Be now produc'd and heard. 

Queen Katherine. Lord cardinal, 

To you I speak. 

Wolsey. Your pleasure, madam? 

Queen Katherine . Sir, 70 

I am about to weep ; but, thinking that 
We are a queen — or long have dream'd so, — certain 



94 



King Henry the Eighth [Act li 



The daughter of a king, my drops of tears 
I '11 turn to sparks of fire. 

JVolsey. Be patient yet. 

Queen Kaiherine. I will, when you are humble \ nay, 
before, 
Or God will punish me. I do believe, 
Induc'd by potent circumstances, that 
You are mine enemy, and make my challenge 
You shall not be my judge ; for it is you 
Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me, — 80 

Which God's dew quench ! — Therefore, I say again, 
I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul. 
Refuse you for my judge ; whom, yet once more, 
I hold my most malicious foe, and think not 
At all a friend to truth. 

Wolsey. I do profess 

You speak not like yourself, who ever yet 
Have stood to charity, and display' d the effects 
Of disposition gentle, and of wisdom 
O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong ; 
I have no spleen against you, nor injustice 9° 

For you or any ; how far I have proceeded. 
Or how far further shall, is warranted 
By a commission from the consistory. 
Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me 
That I have blown this coal ; I do deny it. 
The king is present ; if it be known to him 
That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound, 
And worthily, my falsehood ! yea, as much 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 95 

As you have done my truth. If he know 

That I am free of your report, he knows 100 

I am not of your wrong. Therefore, in him 

It Hes to cure me, and the cure is to 

Remove these thoughts from you, the which before 

His highness shall speak in, I do beseech 

You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking 

And to say so no more. 

Queen Kathe^ine. My lord, my lord, 
I am a simple woman, much too weak 
T' oppose your cunning. You 're meek and humble- 

mouth'd ; 
You sign your place and calling in full seeming 
With meekness and humility, but your heart no 

Is cramm'd with arrogancy, spleen, and pride. 
You have, by fortune and his highness' favours, 
Gone slightly o'er low steps, and now are mounted 
Where powers are your retainers ; and your words, 
Domestics to you, serve your will as 't please 
Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you, 
You tender more your person's honour than 
Your high profession spiritual j that again 
I do refuse you for my judge, and here. 
Before you all, appeal unto the pope, 120 

To bring my whole cause fore his holiness 
And to be judg'd by him. 

\_She curtsies to the King, and offers to depart. 

Campeius. The queen is obstinate. 

Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it, and 



g6 King Henry the Eighth [Act II 

Disdainful to be tried by 't ; 't is not well. 
She 's going away. 

Xing Henry. Call her again. 

Crier. Katherine, Queen of England, come into the 
court. 

Griffith. Madam, you are call'd back. 

Queen Katherine. What need you note it ? pray you, 
keep your way ; 130 

When you are call'd, return, — Now the Lord help ! 
They vex me past my patience. — Pray you, pass on, 
I will not tarry, no, nor ever more 
Upon this business my appearance make 
In any of their courts. 

\_Exeiint Queen and her Attendants. 

King Henry. Go thy ways, Kate : 

That man i' the world who shall report he has 
A better wife, let him in naught be trusted 
For speaking false in that. Thou art alone — 
If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness. 
Thy meekness saint-like, wife-like government, 140 

Obeying in commanding, and thy parts 
Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out — 
The queen of earthly queens. — She 's noble born, 
And like her true nobility she has 
Carried herself towards me. 

Wolsey. Most gracious sir, 

In humblest manner I require your highness 
That it shall please you to declare, in hearing 
Of all these ears — for where I am robb'd and bound, 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 97 

There must I be unloos'd, although not there 

At once and fully satisfied — whether ever I 150 

Did broach this business to your highness, or 

Laid any scruple in your way which might 

Induce you to the question on 't, or ever 

Have to you, but with thanks to God for such 

A royal lady, spake one the least word that might 

Be to the prejudice of her present state 

Or touch of her good person. 

King Henry. My lord cardinal, 

I do excuse you ; yea, upon mine honour, 
I free you from 't. You are not to be taught 
That you have many enemies, that know not 160 

Why they are so, but, hke to village curs, 
Bark when their fellows do ; by some of these 
The queen is put in anger. You 're excus'd ; 
But will you be more justified? you ever 
Have wish'd the sleeping of this business, never 
Desir'd it to be stirr'd, but oft have hinder'd, oft. 
The passages made toward it. — On my honour, 
I speak my good lord cardinal to this point. 
And thus far clear him. Now, what mov'd me to 't, 
I will be bold with time and your attention. — 170 

Then mark the inducement. Thus it came ; give heed 

to 't: 
My conscience first received a tenderness. 
Scruple, and prick, on certain speeches uttered 
By the Bishop of Bayonne, then French ambassador. 
Who had been hither sent on the debating 
H£NRY vm — 7 



98 King Henry the Eighth [Act il 

A marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleans and 

Our daughter Mary. I' the progress of this business, 

Ere a determinate resolution, he — 

I mean the bishop — did require a respite, 

Wherein he might the king his lord advertise 180 

Whether our daughter were legitimate, 

Respecting this our marriage with the dowager, 

Sometimes our brother's wife. This respite shook 

The bosom of my conscience, enter'd me, 

Yea, with a splitting power, and made to tremble 

The region of my breast ; which forc'd such way 

That many maz'd considerings did throng 

And press'd in with this caution. First, methought 

This was a judgment on me, — that my kingdom. 

Well worthy the best heir o' the world, should not 190 

Be gladded in 't by me. Then follows that 

I weigh'd the danger which my realms stood in 

By this my issue's fail ; and that gave to me 

Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in 

The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer 

Toward this remedy whereupon we are 

Now present here together ; that 's to say, 

I meant to rectify my conscience, — which 

I then did feel full sick, and yet not well, — 

By all the reverend fathers of the land 200 

And doctors learn'd. — First, I began in private 

With you, my Lord of Lincoln ; you remember 

How under my oppression I did reek 

When I first mov'd you. 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 99 

Lincoln. Very well, my liege. 

King Henry. I have spoke long ; be pleas'd yourself 
to say 
How far you satisfied me. 

Lincoln. So please your highness, 

The question did at first so stagger me, — 
Bearing a state of mighty moment in 't, 
And consequence of dread, — that I committed 
The daring'st counsel which I had to doubt, 210 

And did entreat your highness to this course 
Which you are running here. 

King Henry. I then mov'd you, 

My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leave 
To make this present summons. — Unsolicited 
I left no reverend person in this court, 
But by particular consent proceeded 
Under your hands and seals. Therefore, go on j 
For no dislike i' the world against the person 
Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points 
Of my alleged reasons drives this forward. 220 

Prove but our marriage lawful, — by my life 
And kingly dignity, we are contented 
To wear our mortal state to come with her, 
Katherine our queen, before the primest creature 
That 's paragon' d o' the world. 

Campeius. So please your highness, 

The queen being absent, 't is a needful fitness 
That we adjourn this court till further day. 
Meanwhile must be an earnest motion 



lOO King Henry the Eighth [Act il 

Made to the queen, to call back her appeal 
She intends unto his holiness. 

King Henry. \Aside\ I may perceive 230 

These cardinals trifle with me ; I abhor 
This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome. 
My learn'd and well-beloved servant, Cranmer ! 
Prithee, return ; with thy approach, I know, 
My comfort comes along. — Break up the court ; 
I say, set on. \_Exeunt in manner as they entered. 




Cardinal Campeius 



Act III 

Scene I. The Palace at Bridewell. A Room in the 
Queen'' s Apai^tment ^ 

The Queen and her Women at woi'k 

Queen Katherine. Take thy lute, wench ; my soul 
grows sad with troubles. 
Sing and disperse 'em, if thou canst. Leave working. 

Song 
Orpheus with his lute made t7^ees, 
And the mountain-tops that fi^eeze , 
Bow themselves when he did sing; 

lOI 



I02 King Henry the Eighth [Act ill 

To his music plants and flowers 
Ever sprung, as sun and shoivers 
There had made a lasting Spring. 

Every thing that heard him play. 

Even the billows of the sea, lo 

Hung their heads and then lay by. 
In sweet music is such art, 
Killing care and grief of heart 

Fall asleep or hearing die. 

Enter a Gentleman 

Queen Katherine. How now ! 

Gentleman. An 't please your grace, the two great 
cardinals. 
Wait in the presence. 

Queen Katheiine. Would they speak with me? 
Gentleman. They will'd me say so, madam. 
Queen Katherine. Pray their graces 

To come near.. \Exit Gentleman.'] What can be their 

business 
With me, a poor weak woman fallen from favour ? 20 

I do not like their coming, now I think on 't. 
They should be good men, their affairs as righteous ; 
But all hoods make not monks. 

Enter Wolsey and Campetus 

Wolsey. Peace to your highness. 

Queen Katherine. Your graces find me here part of a 
housewife : 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 103 

I would be all, against the worst may happen. 
What are your pleasures with me, reverend lords? 

Wolsey. May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw 
Into your private chamber, we shall give you 
The full cause of our coming. 

Queen Katherine. Speak it here. 

There 's nothing I have done yet, o' my conscience, 30 
Deserves a corner ; would all other women 
Could speak this with as free a soul as I do ! 
My lords, I care not — so much I am happy 
Above a number — if my actions 
Were tried by every tongue, every eye saw 'em. 
Envy and base opinion set against 'em, 
I know my life so even. If your business 
Seek me out, and that way I am wife in. 
Out with it boldly ; truth loves open dealing. 

Wolsey. Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, regina 40 
serenissima, — 

Queen Katherine. O, good my lord, no Latin ! 
I am not such a truant since my coming 
As not to know the language I have liv'd in. 
A strange tongue makes my cause more strange, suspicious ; 
Pray, speak in English. Here are some will thank you, 
If you speak truth, for their poor mistress' sake ; 
Believe me, she has had much wrong. Lord cardinal, 
The wilHng'st sin I ever yet committed 
May be absolv'd in Enghsh. 

Wolsey. Noble lady, 50 

I am sorry my integrity should breed — 



I04 King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

And service to his majesty and you — 

So deep suspicion where all faith was meant. 

We come not by the way of accusation, 

To taint that honour every good tongue blesses, 

Nor to betray you any way to sorrow, — 

You have too much, good lady ; but to know 

How you stand minded in the weighty difference 

Between the king and you, and to deliver. 

Like free and honest men, our just opinions 60 

And comforts to your cause. 

Campeius. Most honour'd madam, 

My Lord of York, out of his noble nature. 
Zeal and obedience he still bore your grace, 
Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure 
Both of his truth and him — which was too far, — 
Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace. 
His service and his counsel. 

Queen Katherine. [Aside] To betray me. — 
My lords, I thank you both for your good wills ; 
Ye speak like honest men — pray God ye prove so ! — 
But how to make ye suddenly an answer, 70 

In such a point of weight so near mine honour — 
More near my life, I fear — with my weak wit. 
And to such men of gravity and learning, 
In truth, I know not. I was set at work 
Among my maids ; full little, God knows, looking 
Either for such men or such business. 
For her sake that I have been — for I feel 
The last fit of my greatness, — good your graces, 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 105 

Let me have time and counsel for my cause. 

Alas, I am a woman, friendless, hopeless ! 80 

Wolsey. Madam, you wrong the king's love with these 
fears ; 
Your hopes and friends are infinite. 

Queen Katherine. In England 

But little for my profit ; can you think, lords. 
That any EngUshman dare give me counsel? 
Or be a known friend, 'gainst his highness' pleas- 
ure, — 
Through he be grown so desperate to be honest, — 
And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends, 
They that must weigh out my afflictions. 
They that my trust must grow to, live not here ; 
They are, as all my other comforts, far hence, 9° 

In mine own country, lords. 

Campeius. I would your grace 

Would leave your griefs, and take my counsel. 

Qiieen Katherine. How, sir? 

Campeius. Put your main cause into the king's pro- 
tection ; 
He 's loving and most gracious. 'T will be much 
Both for your honour better and your cause ; 
For if the trial of the law o'ertake ye, 
You '11 part away disgrac'd. 

Wolsey. He tells you rightly. 

Queen Katherine. Ye tell me what ye wish for both, — 
my ruin ! 
Is this your Christian counsel? out upon ye ! 



io6 King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

Heaven is above all yet ; there sits a Judge loo 

That no king can corrupt. 

Campeius. Your rage mistakes us. 

Queen Katherine. The more shame for ye ! holy men 
I thought ye, 
Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues ; 
But cardinal sins and hollow hearts, I fear ye. 
Mend 'em for shame, my lords. Is this your comfort? 
The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady, — 
A woman lost among ye, laugh'd at, scorn'd ? 
I will not wish ye half my miseries — 
I have more charity — but say I warn'd ye ; 
Take heed, for heaven's sake, take heed, lest at once no 
The burthen of my sorrows fall upon ye. 

Wolsey. Madam, this is a mere distraction ; 
You turn the good we offer into envy. 

Queen Katherine. Ye turn me into nothing. Woe 
upon ye, 
And all such false professors ! Would ye have me — 
If ye have any justice, any pity, 
If ye be any thing but churchmen's habits — 
Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me? 
Alas, he 's banish'd me his bed already. 
His love too long ago ! I am old, my lords, 120 

And all the fellowship I hold now with him 
Is only my obedience. What can happen 
To me above this wretchedness? all your studies 
Make me a curse like this. 

Cautpeius, Your fears are worse. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 107 

Queen Katherine. Have I liv'd thus long — let me 
speak myself, 
Since virtue finds no friends — a wife, a true one? 
A woman — I dare say without vain-glory — 
Never yet branded with suspicion? 
Have I with all my full affections 

Still met the king? lov'd him next heaven? obey'd him? 
Been, out of fondness, superstitious to him? 131 

Almost forgot my prayers to content him ? 
And am I thus rewarded? 'T is not well, lords. 
Bring me a constant woman to her husband. 
One that ne'er dream'd a joy beyond his pleasure, 
And to that woman, when she has done most. 
Yet will I add an honour, — a great patience. 

Wolsey. Madam, you wander from the good we aim at. 

Queen Katherine. My lord, I dare not make myself 
so guilty 
To give up willingly that noble title 140 

Your master wed me to ; nothing but death 
Shall e'er divorce my dignities. 

Wolsey. Pray hear me. 

Queen Katherine. Would I had never trod this English 
earth. 
Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it ! 
Ye have angels' faces, but heaven knows your hearts ! 
What will become of me now, wretched lady? 
I am the most unhappy woman living. — 
Alas, poor wenches, where are now your fortunes? 

\_To her Women. 



lo8 King Henry the Eighth [Act ill 

Shipwrack'd upon a kingdom where no pity, 

No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me, 150 

Ahnost no grave allow'd me. — Like the Hly 

That once was mistress of the field and flourish'd, 

I '11 hang my head and perish. 

Wols'ey. If your grace 

Could but be brought to know our ends are honest, 
You 'd feel more comfort. Why should we, good lady, 
Upon what cause, wrong you? alas, our places, 
The way of our profession is against it ; 
We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow them. 
For goodness' sake, consider what you do ; 
How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly 160 

Grow from the king's acquaintance, by this carriage. 
The hearts of princes kiss obedience. 
So much they love it ; but to stubborn spirits 
They swell and grow as terrible as storms. 
I know you have a gentle, noble temper, 
A soul as even as a calm ; pray think us 
Those we profess — peace-makers, friends, and servants. 

Campeius. Madam, you '11 find it so. You wrong your 
virtues 
With these weak women's fears ; a noble spirit 
As yours was put into you ever casts 170 

Such doubts, as false coin, from it. The king loves 

you. 
Beware you lose it not ; for us, if you please 
To trust us in your business, we are ready 
To use our utmost studies in your service. 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 109 

Queen Katherine. Do what ye will, my lords, and pray 
forgive me, 
If I have us'd myself unmannerly ; 
You know I am a woman, lacking wit 
To make a seemly answer to such persons. 
Pray do my service to his majesty ; 

He has my heart yet, and shall have ray prayers 180 

While I shall have my hfe. Come, reverend fathers. 
Bestow your counsels on me ; she now begs 
That Kttle thought, when she set footing here, 
She should have bought her dignities so dear. \_Exeunt, 

Scene IL Ante-chamber to the King's Apartment 

Enter the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Suffolk, the 
Earl of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain 

Norfolk. If you will now unite in your complaints 
And force them with a constancy, the cardinal 
Cannot stand under them ; if you omit 
The offer of this time, I cannot promise 
But that you shall sustain moe new disgraces 
With these you bear already. 

Surrey. I am joyful 

To meet the least occasion that may give me 
Remembrance of my father-in-law, the duke, 
To be reveng'd on him. 

. Suffolk. Which of the peers 

Have uncontemn'd gone by him, or at least 10 

Strangely neglected ? When did he regard 



no King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

The stamp of nobleness in any person 
Out of himself? 

Chamberlain. My lords, you speak your pleasures. 
What he deserves of you and me, I know ; 
What we can do to him — though now the time 
Gives way to us — I much fear. If you cannot 
Bar his access to the king, never attempt 
Any thing on him, for he hath a witchcraft 
Over the king in 's tongue. 

No7'folk. O, fear him not, 

His spell in that is out ; the king hath found 20 

Matter against him that for ever mars 
The honey of his language. No, he 's settled, 
Not to come off, in his displeasure. 

Surrey. Sir, 

I should be glad to hear such news as this 
Once every hour. 

Norfolk. BeHeve it, this is true. 

In the divorce, his contrary proceedings 
Are all unfolded, wherein he appears 
As I could wish mine enemy. 

Surrey. How came 

His practices to light? 

Suffolk. Most strangely. 

Surrey. O, how? how? 

Suffolk. The cardinal's letter to the pope miscarried 30 
And came to the eye o' the king, wherein was read 
How that the cardinal did entreat his holiness 
To stay the judgment o' the divorce ; for if 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth III 

It did take place, ' I do,' quoth he, ' perceive 

My king is tangled in affection to 

A creature of the queen's, Lady Anne Bullen.' 

Surrey. Has the king this? 

Suffolk. Believe it. 

Smi'ey. Will this work? 

Chamberlain. X^e king in this perceives him how he 
coasts 
And hedges his own way. But in this point 
All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic 40 

After his patient's death ; the king already 
Hath married the fair lady. 

Surrey. Would he had ! 

Suffolk. May you be happy in your wish, my lord, 
For, I profess, you have it. 

Surrey. Now all my joy 

Trace the conjunction ! 

Suffolk. My amen to 't ! 

Norfolk. ' All men's ! 

Siffolk. There 's order given for her coronation. — 
Marry, this is yet but young and may be left 
To some ears unrecounted. — But, my lords, 
She is a gallant creature and complete 
In mind and feature ; I persuade me, from her 50 

Will fall some blessing to this land which shall 
In it be memoriz'd. 

Surrey. But will the king ' 

Digest this letter of the cardinal's? 
The Lord forbid ! 



112 King Henry the Eighth [Act m 

Norfolk, Marry, amen ! 

Suffolk. No, no ; 

There be more wasps that buzz about his nose 
Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius 
Is stolen away to Rome, hath ta'en no leave, 
Has left the cause o' the king unhandled, and 
Is posted as the agent of our cardinal. 
To second all his plot. I do assure you, 6c 

The king cried ' ha ! ' at this. 

Chamberlain. Now God incense him, . 

And let him cry ' ha ! ' louder ! 

Norfolk. But, my lord, 

When returns Cranmer? 

Siffolk. He is return'd in his opinions, which 
Have satisfied the king for his divorce, 
Together with all famous colleges 
Almost in Christendom. Shortly, I beheve, 
His second marriage shall be pubhsh'd and 
Her coronation. Katherine no more 
Shall be call'd queen, but princess dowager 7^ 

And widow to Prince Arthur. 

Norfolk. This same Cranmer 's 

A worthy fellow and hath ta'en much pain 
In the king's business. 

Suffolk. He has, and we shall see him 

For it an archbishop. 

Norfolk. So I hear. 

Suffolk. 'Tisso.— 

The cardinal ! 



. jene II] King Henry the Eighth 113 

Enter Wolsey and Cromwell 

Norfolk. Observe, observe ; he 's moody. 

Wolsey. The packet, Cromwell, 
Gave 't you the king ? 

Cromwell. To his own hand, in 's bedchamber. 

Wolsey. Look'd he o' the inside of the paper? 

Cromwell. Presently 

He did unseal them, and the first he view'd'^'^ 

3 did it with a serious mind ; a heed 80 

as in his countenance ; you he bade 
Attend him here this morning. 

Wolsey. Is he ready 

To come abroad? 

Cromwell. I think by this he is. 

Wolsey. Leave me a while. — \_Exit Cromwell. 

It shall be to the Duchess of Alengon, 
The French king's sister ; he shall marry her. — 
Anne Bullen? No, I '11 no Anne Bullens for him ; 
There 's more in 't than fair visage. — Bullen ! 
No, we '11 no Bullens. — Speedily I wish 89 

To hear from Rome. — The Marchioness of Pembroke ! 

Norfolk. He 's discontented. 

Suffolk. May be he hears the king 

Does whet his anger to him. 

Surrey. Sharp enough, 

Lord, for thy justice ! 

Wolsey. The late queen's gentlewoman, a knight's 
daughter, 

HENRY Vni — 8 



114 King Henry the Eighth [Act III 

To be her mistress' mistress ! the queen's queen ! — 

This candle burns not clear ; 't is I must snuif it, 

Then out it goes. — What though I know her virtuous 

And well deserving, yet I know her for 

A spleeny Lutheran ; and not wholesome to 

Our cause that she should He i' the bosom of loo 

Our hard-rul'd king. Again, there is sprung up 

An heretic, an arch one, Cranmer ; one 

Hath crawl'd into the favour of the king 

And is his oracle. 

Norfolk. He is vex'd at something. 

Suffolk. I would 't were something that would fret the 
string, 
The master-cord on 's heart ! 

Enter the King, reading a schedule ; and Lovell 

Suffolk. The king, the king. 

King Henry. What piles of wealth hath he accumulated 
To his own portion ! and what expense by the hour 
Seems to flow from him ! How, i' the name of thrift. 
Does he rake this together? — Now, my lords, — no 
Saw you the cardinal? 

Norfolk. My lord, we have 

Stood here observing him. Some strange commotion 
Is in his brain : he bites his lip, and starts ; 
Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground. 
Then lays his finger on his temple ; straight 
Springs out into fast gait ; then stops again, 
Strikes his breast hard ; and anon he casts 



Scene IIJ King Henry the Eighth 115 

His eye against the moon. In most strange postures 
We have seen him set himself. 

King Henry. It may well be ; 

There is a mutiny in 's mind. This monling 120 

Papers of state he sent me to peruse, 
As I requir'd ; and wot you what I found 
There, — on my conscience, put unwittingly ? 
Forsooth, an inventory, thus importing, — 
The several parcels of his plate, his treasure, 
Rich stuffs, and ornaments of household, which 
I find at such proud rate that it out-speaks 
Possession of a subject. 

Norfolk. It 's heaven's will j 

Some spirit put this paper in the packet. 
To bless your eye withal. 

King Henry. If we did think 130 

His contemplation were above the earth 
And fix'd on spiritual object, he should still 
Dwell in his musings ; but I am afraid 
His thinkings are below the moon, not worth 
His serious considering. 

\_He takes his seat, and whispers Lovell, who goes to 
Wolsey. 

Wolsey. Heaven forgive me ! 

Ever God bless your highness ! 

King Henry. Good my lord. 

You are full of heavenly stuff and bear the inventory 
Of your best graces in your mind, the which 
You were now running o'er ; you have scarce time 



Ii6 King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span, 140 

To keep your earthly audit. Sure, in that 
I deem you an ill husband and am glad 
To have you therein my companion. 

Wolsey. Sir, 

For holy offices I have a time ; a time 
To think upon the part of business which 
I bear i' the state ; and nature does require 
Her times of preservation, which, perforce, 
I her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal, 
Must give my tendance to. 

Kijig Henry. You have said well. 

Wolsey. And ever may your highness yoke together,, 150 
As I will lend you cause, my doing well 
With my well saying ! 

King Henry. 'T is well said again. 

And 't is a kind of good deed to say well ; 
And yet words are no deeds. My father lov'd you 'j 
He said he did, and with his deed did crown 
His word upon you. Since I had my office 
I have kept you next my heart, have not alone 
Employ'd you where high profits might come home. 
But par'd my present havings, to bestow 
My bounties upon you. 

Wolsey. \_Aside'] What should this mean? 160 

Surrey. \_Aside~\ The Lord increase this business ! 

King Henry. Have I not made you 

The prime man of the state? I pray you, tell me. 
If what I now pronounce you have found true ; 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 117 

And, if you may confess it, say withal 

If you are bound to us or no. What say you ? 

Wolsey. My sovereign, I confess, your royal graces, 
Shower'd on me daily, have been more than could 
My studied purposes requite, which went 
Beyond all man's endeavours ; my endeavours 
Have ever come too short of my desires, 170 

Yet fil'd with my abilities. Mine own ends 
Have been mine so that evermore they pointed 
To the good of your most sacred person and 
The profit of the state. For your great graces 
Heap'd upon me, poor undeserver, I 
Can nothing render but allegiant thanks, 
My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty, 
Which ever has and ever shall be growing 
Till death, that winter, kill it. 

King Henry. Fairly answer'd j 

A loyal and obedient subject is 180 

Therein illustrated. The honour of it 
Does pay the act of it ; as, i' the contrary, 
The foulness is the punishment. I presume, 
That as my hand has open'd bounty to you. 
My heart dropp'd love, my power rain'd honour, more 
On you than any, so your hand and heart, 
Your brain and every function of your power, 
Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty, 
As 't were in love's particular, be more 
To me, your friend, than any. 

Wolsey. I do profess 190 



ii8 King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

That for your highness' good I ever labour'd 
More than mine own ; that am true, and will be, 
Though all the world should crack their duty to you 
And throw it from their soul. Though perils did 
Abound as thick as thought could make them and 
Appear in forms more horrid, yet my duty, 
As doth a rock against the chiding flood, 
Should the approach of this wild river break 
And stand unshaken yours. 

King Henry, 'T is nobly spoken. — 

Take notice, lords, he has a loyal breast, 200 

For you have seen him open 't. — Read o'er this ; 

[ Gives him papers. 
And, after, this ; and then to breakfast with 
What appetite you have. 

\_Exit King, fi'owning upon Cardinal Wolsey ; 
the Nobles throng after him, smiling and whis- 
pering. 

Wolsey, What should this mean ? 

What sudden anger 's this? how have I reap'd it? 
He parted frowning from me, as if ruin 
Leap'd from his eyes ; so looks the chafed lion 
Upon the daring huntsman that has gall'd him, 
Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper; 
I fear, the story of his anger. — 'T is so ; 
This paper has undone me ! — 'T is the account 210 

Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together 
For mine own ends ; indeed, to gain the popedom 
And fee my friends in Rome. O neghgence. 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 119 

Fit for a fool to fall by ! What cross devil 
Made me put this main secret in the packet 
I sent the king? Is there no way to cure this? 
No new device to beat this from his brains? 
I know 't will stir him strongly ; yet I know 
A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune 
Will bring me off again. What 's this ? — * To the 
pope' ? 220 

The letter, as I live, with all the business 
I writ to 's hoHness. Nay then, farewell ! 
I have touch'd the highest point of all my greatness, 
And from that full meridian of ray glory 
I haste now to my setting ; I shall fall 
Like a bright exhalation in the evening, 
And no man see me more. 

Enter the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earl of 
Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlain 

Norfolk. Hear the king's pleasure, cardinal, who com- 
mands you 
To render up the great seal presently 
Into our hands, and to confine yourself 230 

To Asher-house, my Lord of Winchester's, 
Till you hear further from his highness. 

Wolsey. Stay ; 

Where 's your commission, lords? words cannot carry 
Authority so weighty. 

Suffolk. Who dare cross 'em, 

Bearing the king's will from his mouth expressly? 



I20 King Henry the Eighth [Act ill 

Wolsey. Till I find more than will or words to do it — 
I mean your malice — know, officious lord 
I dare and must deny it. Now, I feel 
Of what coarse metal ye are moulded — envy. 
How eagerly ye follow my disgraces, 240 

As if it fed ye ! and how sleek and wanton 
Ye appear in every thing may bring my ruin ! 
Follow your envious courses, men of malice ; 
You have Christian warrant for 'em, and, no doubt, 
In time will find their fit rewards. That seal 
You ask with such a violence, the king — 
Mine and your master — with his own hand gave me, 
Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honours, 
During my life, and to confirm his goodness 
Tied it by letters patents. Now, who '11 take it ? 250 

Surrey. The king that gave it. 

Wolsey. It must be himself, then. 

Surrey. Thou art a proud traitor, priest. 

Wolsey. Proud lord, thou liest ; 

Within these forty hours Surrey durst better 
Have burnt that tongue than said so. 

Surrey. Thy ambition, 

Thou scarlet sin, robb'd this bewailing land 
Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law ; 
The heads of all thy brother cardinals, 
With thee and all thy best parts bound together, 
Weigh'd not a hair of his. Plague of your policy ! 
You sent me deputy for Ireland, 260 

Far from his succour, from the king, from all 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 121 

That might have mercy on the fault thou gav'st him, 
Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity, 
Absolv'd him with an axe. 

Wolsey. This, and all else 

This talking lord can lay upon my credit, 
I answer, is most false. The duke by law 
Found his deserts; how innocent I was 
From any private malice in his end 
His noble jury and foul cause can witness. 
If I lov'd many words, lord, I should tell you 270 

You have as little honesty as honour. 
That in the way of loyalty and truth 
Towards the king, my ever royal master, 
Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be 
And all that love his follies. 

Surrey. By my soul. 

Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst 

feel 
My sword i' the life-blood of thee else. — My lords, 
Can ye endure to hear this arrogance ? 
And from this fellow ? If we live thus tamely, 
To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet, 280 

Farewell nobility ; let his grace go forward 
And dare us with his cap, like larks. 

Wolsey, All goodness 

Is poison to thy stomach. 

Su7'rey. Yes, that goodness 

Of gleaning all the land's wealth into one, 
Into your own hands, cardinal, by extortion ; 



122 King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

The goodness of your intercepted packets, 

You writ to the pope against the king ; your goodness, 

Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious. — 

My Lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble, 

As you respect the common good, the state 290 

Of our despis'd nobility, our issues — 

Who, if he live, will scarce be gentlemen — 

Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles 

Collected from his Ufe. — I '11 startle you. 

Wolsey. How much, methinks, I could despise this 
man. 
But that I am bound in charity against it. 

Norfolk. Those articles, my lord, are in the king's 
hand ; 
But, thus much, they are foul ones. 

Wolsey. So much fairer 

And spotless shall mine innocence arise 
When the king knows my truth. 

Surrey. This cannot save you. 300 

I thank my memory, I yet remember 
Some of these articles ; and out they shall. 
Now, if you can blush and cry guilty, cardinal, 
You '11 show a little honesty. 

Wolsey. Speak on, sir, 

I dare your worst objections; if I blush, 
It is to see a nobleman want manners. 

Surrey. I had rather want those than my head. Have 
at you. 
First, that without the king's assent or knowledge 



Scene iij King Henry the Eighth 123 

You wrought to be a legate, by which power 

You mauTi'd the jurisdiction of all bishops. 310 

Norfolk. Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else 
To foreign princes, ' Ego et Rex mens ' 
Was s?ill inscrib'd, in which you brought the king 
To be your servant. 

Suffolk. Then, that without the knowledge 

Either of king or council, when you went 
Ambassador to the emperor, you made bold 
To carry into Flanders the great seal. 

Sii7'7'ey. Item, you sent a large commission 
To Gregory de Cassalis, to conclude, 
Without the king's will or the state's allowance, 320 

A league between his highness and Ferrara. 

Siffolk. That out of mere ambition you have caus'd 
Your holy hat to be stamp'd on the king's coin. 

Surrey. Then, that you have sent innumerable sub- 
stance — 
By what means got I leave to your own conscience — 
To furnish Rome and to prepare the ways 
You have for dignities, to the mere undoing 
Of all the kingdom. Many more there are. 
Which, since they are of you and odious, 
I will not taint my mouth with. 

Chamberlain. O, my lord, 330 

Press not a falling man too far ! 't is virtue. 
His faults lie open to the laws ; let them. 
Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him 
So little of his great self. 



124 King Henry the Eighth [Act III 

Surrey. I forgive him. 

Suffolk. Lord cardinal, the king's further pleasure 
is, — 
Because all those things you have done of late 
By your power legatine within this kingdom 
Fall into the compass of a praemunire, — 
That therefore such a writ be sued against you j 
To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements, 340 

Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be 
Out of the king's protection. — This is my charge. 

Norfolk. And so we '11 leave you to your meditations 
How to live better. For your stubborn answer 
About the giving back the great seal to us, 
The king shall know it, and, no doubt, shall thank you. 
So, fare you well, my little good lord cardinal. 

\_Exeu7it all bid Wolsey. 

Wolsey. So, farewell to the little good you bear me. — 
Farewell, a long farewell, to all my greatness ! 
This is the state of man : to-day he puts forth 350 

The tender leaves of hopes ; to-morrow blossoms 
And bears his blushing honours thick upon him ; 
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, 
And — when he thinks, good easy man, full surely 
His greatness is a-ripening — nips his root. 
And then he falls as I do. I have ventur'd, 
Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders. 
This many summers in a sea of glory, 
But far beyond my depth ; my high-blown pride, 
At length broke under me, and now has left me, 360 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 125 

Weary and old with service, to the mercy 
Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me. 
Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye ! 
I feel my heart new open'd. O, how wretched 
Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favours ! 
There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to, 
That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin. 
More pangs and fears than wars or women have ; 
And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer, 
Never to hope again. — 

Enter Cromwell, amazedly 

Why, how now, Cromwell ! 370 

Cromwell. I have no power to speak, sir. 

Wolsey. What ! amaz'd 

At my misfortunes? can thy spirit wonder 
A great man should dechne? Nay, an you weep, 
I am fallen indeed. 

Cromwell. How does your grace? 

Wolsey. Why, well ; 

Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell. 
I know myself now, and I feel within me 
A peace above all earthly dignities, 
A still and quiet conscience. The king has cur'd me, 
I humbly thank his grace, and from these shoulders, ' 
These ruin'd pillars, out of pity, taken 380 

A load would sink a navy — too much honour. 
O, 't is a burthen, Cromwell, 't is a burthen 
Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven ! 



126 King Henry the Eighth [Act iii 

Cromwell. I am glad your grace has made that right 
use of it.. 

Wolsey. I hope I have ; I am able now, methinks — 
Out of a fortitude of soul I feel — 
To endure more miseries, and greater far 
Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. 
What news abroad? 

Cromwell. The heaviest and the worst 

Is your displeasure with the king. 

Wolsey. God bless him ! 390 

Cromivell. The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen 
Lord chancellor in your place. 

Wolsey. That 's somewhat sudden ; 

But he 's a learned man. May he continue 
Long in his highness' favour and do justice 
For truth's sake and his conscience, that his bones, 
When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings. 
May have a tomb of orphans' tears wept on 'em ! 
What more? 

Cromwell. That Cranmer is return'd with welcome, 
Install'd lord archbishop of Canterbury. 

Wolsey. That 's news indeed ! 

Cromwell. Last, that the Lady Anne, 

Whom the king hath in secrecy long married, 401 

This day was view'd in open as his queen. 
Going to chapel ; and the voice is now 
Only about her coronation. 

Wolsey. There was the weight that pull'd me down, 
Q Cromwell ! 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 127 

The king has gone beyond me ; all my glories 

In that one woman I have lost for ever. 

No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours, 

Or gild again the noble troops that waited 

Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell ; 410 

I am a poor fallen man, unworthy now 

To be thy lord and master. Seek the king ; 

That sun, I pray, may never set ! I have told him 

What and how true thou art; he will advance thee. 

Some little memory of me will stir him — 

I know his noble nature — not to let 

Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell, 

Neglect him not ; make use now and provide 

For thine own future safety. 

Cromwell. O my lord ! 

Must I then leave you? must I needs forego 420 

So good, so noble, and so true a master? 
Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron. 
With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord ! — 
The king shall have my service, but my prayers 
For ever and for ever shall be yours. 

Wolsey. Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear 
In all my miseries ; but thou hast forc'd me. 
Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman. 
Let 's dry our eyes ; and thus far hear me, Cromwell : 
And — when I am forgotten, as I shall be, 430 

And sleep in dull, cold marble, where no mention 
Of me more must be heard of — say, I taught thee ; 
Say, Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory. 



128 King Henry the Eighth [Act m 

And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour, 

Found thee a way, out of his wrack, to rise in; 

A sure and safe one, though thy master miss'd it. 

Mark but my fall, and that that ruin'd me. 

Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition. <i 

By that sin fell the angels ; how can man^thejv— * 

The image of his Maker, hope to win by 't ? ■""'^40 

Love thyself last, cherish those hearts that hate thee ; 

Corruption wins not more than honesty. 

Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace. 

To silence envious tongues | be just, and fear not. 

Let all the ends thbu i^m'st at be thy country's. 

Thy God's, and truth's ; then, if thou fall'st, O Cromwell ! 

Thou fall'st a blessed martyr. Serve the king ; 

And, — prithee, lead me in. 

There take an inventory of all I have. 

To the last penny, 't is the king's ; my robe, 450 

And my integrity to heaven, is all 

I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell ! 

Had I but serv'd my God with half the zeal 

I serv'd my king, he would not in mine age 

Have left me naked to mine enemies. 

Crofnwell. Good sir, have patience. 

Wolsey. So I have. Farewell 

The hopes of court ! my hopes in heaven do dwell. 

\_jExeunt. 




/7% 
Anne Bullen 



ACT IV 

Scene I. A Street in Westminster 
Efiter two Gentlemen, meeting 

1 Gentkmafi. You 're well met once again. 

2 Gentleman. So are you. 

1 Gentleman. You come to take your stand here and 

behold 
The Lady Anne pass from her coronation. 

2 Gentleman. 'T is all my business. At our last en- 

counter, 
The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial. 
HENRY VIII — 9 129 



ijo King Henry the Eighth [Act iv 

1 Gentlemaii. 'T is very true ; but that time offer'd 

sorrow, 
This general joy. 

2 Gentleman. 'T is well ; the citizens, 

I am sure, have shown at full their royal minds — 

As, let 'em have their rights, they are ever forward — lo 

In celebration of this day with shows. 

Pageants, and sights of honour. 

1 Gentleman. Never greater. 
Nor, I '11 assure you, better taken, sir. 

2 Gentleman. May I be bold to ask what that con- 

tains, 
That paper in your hand ? 

1 Gentleman. Yes ; 't is the list 
Of those that claim their offices this day 

By custom of the coronation. 

The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims 

To be high-steward ; next, the Duke of Norfolk, 

He to be earl marshal. You may read the rest. 20 

2 Gentleman. I thank you, sir ; had I not known those 

customs, 
I should have been beholding to your paper. 
But, I beseech you, what 's become of Katherine, 
The princess dowager? how goes her business? 

I Gentleinan. That I can tell you too. The Arch- 
bishop 
Of Canterbury, accompanied with other 
Learned and reverend fathers of his order. 
Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 131 

From Arapthill where the princess lay, to which 

She was often cited by them, but appear'd not; 30 

And, to be short, for not appearance and 

The king's late scruple, by the main assent 

Of all these learned men she was divorc'd 

And the late marriage made of none effect, 

Since which she was remov'd to Kimbolton, 

Where she remains now sick. 

2 Gentleman. Alas, good lady ! — 

\_Trumpets. 
The trumpets sound ; stand close, the queen is coming. 

\_Hautboys. 

The Order of the Procession 
A lively flourish of trumpets : then Enter 

1. Two Judges. 

2. Lord Chancellor, with purse and mace befoj'e him. 

3. Choristers singing. 

4. Mayor of London, bearing the mace. Then, Garter, 

in his coat of arms, and on his head a gilt copper 
crown. 

5. Marquess Dorset, bearing a sceptre of gold ; on his 

head a demi-coronal of gold. With him the Earl 
OF Surrey, bearing the rod of silver with the 
dove, and crowned with an eai'Vs coronet. Collars 
of SS. 

6. Duke of Suffolk in his robe of estate, his coronet on 

his head, bearing a long white wand, as High- 



132 King Henry the Eighth [Act IV 

steward. With hhn, the Duke of Norfolk, with 
the rod of marshalship, a coronet on his head. 
Collars of SS. 

7. A canopy borne by four of the Cinque-ports ; under it, 

the Queen in her robe ; her hair richly adorned 
with pearl ; crowned. On each side her, the Bish- 
ops of London and Winchester. 

8. The old Duchess of Norfolk, in a coronal of 

gold, wrought with flowers, beaiHiig the Queen's 
train. 

9. Certaifi Ladies or Countesses, with plain circlets of 

gold, without flowers. 

2 Gentlemaji. A royal train, beUeve me. — These I 
know; 
Who 's that that bears the sceptre ? _ 

1 Gentleman. Marquess Dorset ; 
And that the Earl of Surrey, with the rod. 40 

2 Gentleman. A bold, brave gentleman. That should 

be 
The Duke of Suffolk. 

1 Gentleman. 'T is the same, — high-steward. 

2 Gentleman. And that my Lord of Norfolk? 

1 Gentleman. Yes. 

2 Gentleman. Heaven bless thee ! 

\_Looking on the Queen. 
Thou hast the sweetest face I ever look'd on. — 
Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel. 
I Gentleman. They that bear 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 133 

The cloth of honour over her are four barons 
Of the Cinque-ports. 

2 Gentlei?ian. Those men are happy; and so are all 
are near her. 
I take it she that carries up the train 50 

Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk. 

1 Gentleman. It is ; and all the rest are countesses. 

2 Gentleman. Their coronets say so. These are stars, 

indeed. 
\_Exit Procession, with a gi^e at flourish of trumpets. 

Enter a third Gentleman 

1 Gentleman. God save you, sir ! Where have you 

been broiling? 

3 Gentleman. Among the crowd i' the abbey, where 

a finger 
Could not be wedg'd in more ; I am stifled 
With the mere rankness of their joy. 

2 Gentleman. You saw the ceremony? 

3 Gentleman. That I did. 

1 Gentleman. How was it? 60 
3 Gentleman. Well worth the seeing. 

2 Gentlemaji. Good sir, speak it to us. 

3 Gentleman. As well as I am able. The rich stream 
Of lords and ladies, having brought the queen 

To a prepar'd place in the choir, fell off 
A distance from her, while her grace sat down 
To rest a while — some half an hour or so — 
In a rich chair of state, opposing freely 



134 ^i^g Henry the Eighth [Act iv 

The beauty of her person to the people. 

Beheve me, sir, she is the goodliest woman 70 

That ever lay by man, — which when the people 

Had the full view of, such a noise arose 

As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest, 

As loud and to as many tunes. Hats, cloaks, — 

Doublets, I think, — flew up ; and had their faces 

Been loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy 

I never saw before. No man living 

Could say ' This is my wife ' there, all were woven 

So strangely in one piece. 

2 Gentleman. But what follow'd 

3 Gentleman. At length her grace rose and with 

modest paces 80 

Came to the altar, where she kneel'd and saint-like 
Cast her fair eyes to heaven and pray'd devoutly. 
Then rose again and bow'd her to the people ; 
When by the Archbishop of Canterbury 
She had all the royal makings of a queen, 
As holy oil, Edward Confessor's crown. 
The rod, and bird of peace, and all such emblems 
Laid nobly on her, which perform'd, the choir, 
With all the choicest music of the kingdom, 
Together sung Te Deum. So she parted, 90 

And with the same full state pac'd back again 
To York- place, where the feast is held. 

I Gentleman. Sir, 

You must no more call it York-place ; that 's past, 
For since the cardinal fell that title 's lost. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 135 

'T is now the king's, and call'd Whitehall. 

3 Gentleman. I know it; 

But 't is so lately alter'd that the old name 
Is fresh about me. 

2 Gentleman. What two reverend bishops 
Were those that went on each side of the queen ? 

3 Ge?itlemaii. Stokesly and Gardiner: the one of 

Winchester, 
Newly preferr'd from the king's secretary ; 100 

The other, London. 

2 Gentleman. He of Winchester 

Is held no great good lover of the archbishop's. 
The virtuous Cranmer. 

3 Gentleman. All the land knows that. 
However, yet there 's no great breach ; when it comes 
Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him. 

2 Gentleman. Who may that be, I pray you? 

3 Gentleman. Thomas Cromwell; 
A man in much esteem with the king, and truly 

A worthy friend. The king has made him 

Master o' the jewel-house. 

And one already of the privy-council. no 

2 Gentleman. He will deserve more. 

3 Gentleman. Yes, without all doubt. 
Come, gentlemen, ye shall go my way, which 

Is to the court, and there ye shall be my guests; 
Something I can command. As I walk thither 
I '11 tell ye more. 

Both^ You may command us, sir. \_Exeunt. 



136 King Henry the Eighth [Act IV 

Scene II, Kimbolton 

Enter Katherine sick; led between Griffith and 

Patience 

Griffith. How does your grace ? 

Katherine. O, Griffith, sick to death ; 

My legs, like loaden branches, bow to the earth, 
Willing to leave their burthen. Reach a chair. — 
So, — now, methinks, I feel a little ease. 
Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou led'st me, 
That the great child of honour. Cardinal Wolsey, 
Was dead? 

Griffith. Yes, madam ; but I think your grace, 
Out of the pain you suffer'd, gave no ear to 't. 

Katherine. Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died ; 
If well, he stepp'd before me, happily, 10 

For my example. 

Griffith. Well, the voice goes, madam ; 

For after the stout Earl Northumberland 
Arrested him at York and brought him forward, 
As a man sorely tainted, to his answer, 
He fell sick suddenly and grew so ill 
He could not sit his mule. 

KathefHne. Alas, poor man ! 

Griffith. At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester, 
Lodg'd in the abbey, where the reverend abbot 
With all his covent honourably receiv'd him, 
To whom he gave these words : ' O father abbot, 20 

An old man, broken with the storms of state, 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 137 

Is come to lay his weary bones among ye ; 

Give him a Httle earth for charity ! ' 

So went to bed, where eagerly his sickness 

Pursued him still ; and three nights after this, 

About the hour of eight, which he himself 

Foretold should be his last, full of repentance, 

Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows, 

He gave his honours to the world again. 

His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace. 30 

Katherine. So may he rest ! his faults lie gently on him ! 
Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him, 
And yet with charity. He was a man 
Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking 
Himself with princes, one that by suggestion 
Tith'd all the kingdom ; simony was fair play. 
His own opinion was his law ; i' the presence 
He would say untruths and be ever double. 
Both in his words and meaning. He was never, 
But where he meant to ruin, pitiful ; 40 

His promises were, as he then was, mighty, 
But his performance, as he is now, nothing. 
Of his own body he was ill and gave 
The clergy ill example. 

Griffith. Noble madam, 

Men's evil manners live in brass ; their virtues 
We write in water. May it please your highness 
To hear me speak his good now ? 

Katherine. Yes, good Griffith ; 

I were malicious else. 



138 King Henry the Eighth [Act iv 

Griffith. This cardinal, 

Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly 
Was fashion'd to much honour from his cradle. 50 

He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one ; 
Exceeding wise, fair spoken, and persuading ; 
Lofty and sour to them that lov'd him not, 
But to those men that sought him sweet as summer. 
And though he were unsatisfied in getting — 
Which was a sin — yet in bestowing, madam, 
He was most princely ; ever witness for him 
Those twins of learning that he rais'd in you, 
Ipswich and Oxford ! one of which fell with him, 
Unwilling to outlive the good that did it ; 60 

The other, though unfinish'd, yet so famous, 
So excellent in art, and still so rising. 
That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue. 
His overthrow heap'd happiness upon him. 
For then, and not till then, he felt himself 
And found the blessedness of being little ; 
And, to add greater honours to his age 
Than man could give him, he died fearing God. 

Katherine. After my death I wish no other herald. 
No other speaker of my living actions, 70 

To keep mine honour from corruption. 
But such an honest chronicler as Griffith. 
Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me. 
With thy religious truth and modesty, 
Now in his ashes honour. Peace be with him ! — 
Patience, be near me still \ and set me lower. 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 139 

I have not long to trouble thee. — Good Griffith, 
Cause the musicians play me that sad note 
I nam'd my knell, whilst I sit meditating 79 

On that celestial harmony I go to. \_Sad and solemn music. 
Griffith. She is asleep. Good wench, let 's sit down 
quiet, 
For fear we wake her. — Softly, gentle Patience. 

The Vision 

Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six Personages, 
clad in white robes, ivearing on their heads garlands of 
bays, and golden vizards on their faces ; branches of 
bays, or palm, in their hands. They first congee unto 
her, then dance ; and, at certain changes, the fii'st two 
hold a spare garland over her head, at which the other 
four make reverend curtsies ; then, the two that held the 
garland deliver the same to the other next two, who 
observe the sajne order in their changes, and holding 
the garland over her head ; which done, they deliver the 
sa7ne garland to the last two, who likewise observe the 
same order ; at which, as it were by inspiration, she 
makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing and holdeth up 
her hands to heaven. And so in their dancing they 
vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music 
continues. 

Katherine. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all 
gone. 
And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? 



140 King Henry the Eighth [Act IV 

Griffith. Madam, we are here. 

Katherine. It is not you I call for. 

Saw ye none enter since I slept? 

Griffith. None, madam. 

Katherine. No? Saw you not even now a blessed 
troop 
Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces 
Cast thousand beams upon me like the sun? 
They promis'd me eternal happiness, 90 

And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel 
I am not worthy yet to wear ; I shall, assuredly. 

Griffith. I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams 
Possess your fancy. 

Katherine. Bid the music leave ; 

They are harsh and heavy to me. \_Music ceases. 

Patience. Do you note 

How much her grace is alter'd on the sudden? 
How long her face is drawn ? how pale she looks, 
And of an earthy cold ? Mark her eyes ! 

Griffith. She is going, wench. Pray, pray. 

Patience, Heaven comfort her ! 

Enter a Messenger 

Messenger. An 't like your grace, — 

Katherine. You are a saucy fellow ; 

Deserve we no more reverence? 

Griffith. You are to blame, loi 

Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness, 
To use so rude behaviour ; go to, kneel. 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 141 

Messefiger. I humbly do entreat your highness' par- 
don; 
My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying 
A gentleman sent from the king to see you. 

Katherine. Admit him entrance, Grififith ; but this 
fellow 
Let me ne'er see a^ain. — \_Exeu7if Griffith and Messenger. 

Enter Griffith, with Capucius 

If my sight fail not, 
You should be lord ambassador from the emperor, 
My royal nephew, and your name Capucius. no 

Capucius. Madam, the same, your servant. 

Katherine. O, my lord, 

The times and titles now are alter' d strangely 
With me since first you knew me ! But, I pray you, 
What is your pleasure with me? 

Capucius. Noble lady, 

First, mine own service to your grace ; the next. 
The king's request that I would visit you. 
Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me 
Sends you his princely commendations 
x\nd heartily entreats you take good comfort. 

Katherine. O, my good lord, that comfort comes too 
late ; 120 

'T is like a pardon after execution. 
That gentle physic, given in time, had cur'd me, 
But now I am past all comforts here but prayers. 
How does his highness? 



142 King Henry the Eighth [Act iv 

Capucius. Madam, in good health. 

Katherine. So may he ever do, and ever flourish, 
When I shall dwell with worms and my poor name 
Banish'd the kingdom ! — Patience, is that letter 
I caus'd you write yet sent away ? 

Patience. No, madam. 

[ Giving it to Katherine. 

Katherine. Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver 
This to my lord the king, — 

Capucius. Most willing, madam. 130 

Katherine. In which I have commended to his good- 
ness 
The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter — 
The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her ! - — 
Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding — 
She is young, and of a noble modest nature ; 
I hope, she will deserve well — and a little 
To love her for her mother's sake that lov'd him, 
Heaven knows how dearly ! My next poor petition 
Is that his noble grace would have some pity 
Upon my wretched women that so long 140 

Have follow'd both my fortunes faithfully, 
Of which there is not one, I dare avow — 
And now I should not lie — but will deserve, 
For virtue and true beauty of the soul, 
For honesty and decent carriage, 
A right good husband, let him be a noble ; 
And, sure, those men are happy that shall have 'em. 
The last is for my men, — they are the poorest, 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 143 

But poverty could never draw 'em from me, — 

That they may have their wages duly paid 'em 150 

And something over to remember me by ; 

If heaven had pkas'd to have given me longer life 

And able means, we had not parted thus. 

These are the whole contents ; — and, good my lord. 

By that you love the dearest in this world, 

As you wish Christian peace to souls departed. 

Stand these poor people's friend and urge the king 

To do me this last right. 

Capucius, By heaven, I will, 

Or let me lose the fashion of a man ! 

Katherine. I thank you, honest lord. Remember 
me 160 

In all humihty unto his highness ; 
Say his long trouble now is passing 
Out of this world ; tell him in death I bless'd him, 
For so I will. — Mine eyes grow dim. — Farewell, 
My lord. — Griffith, farewell. — Nay, Patience, 
You must not leave me yet. I must to bed ; 
Call in more v/omen. — When I am dead, good wench, 
Let me be us'd with honour ; strew me over 
With maiden flowers, that all the world may know 
I was a chaste wife to my grave. Embalm me, 170 

Then lay me forth ; although unqueen'd, yet like 
A queen and daughter to a king, inter me. 
I can no more. — \_Exeunt, leading Katlierine. 




Thomas Cromwell 



ACT V 

Scene I. A Galle7y in the Palace 

Enter Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, a Page with a 
torch before him 

Gardiner. It 's one o'clock, boy, is 't not ? 

Boy. It hath struck. 

Gardiner. These should be hours for necessities, 
Not for delights ; times to repair our nature 
With comforting repose, and not for us 
To waste these times. — 

144 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 145 

Enter Sir Thomas Lovell 

Good hour of night, Sir Thomas, 
Whither so late? 

Lovell. Came you from the king, my lord ? 

Gardiner. I did, Sir Thomas, and left him at primero 
With the Duke of Suffolk. 

Lovell. I must to him too, 

Before he go to bed. I '11 take my leave. 

Gardiner. Not yet, Sir Thomas Lovell. What's the 
matter? 10 

It seems you are in haste ; an if there be 
No great oifence belongs to 't, give your friend 
Some touch of your late business. Affairs that walk — 
As they say spirits do — at midnight have 
In them a wilder nature than the business 
That seeks dispatch by day. 

Lovell. My lord, I love you 

And durst commend a secret to your ear, 
Much weightier than this work. The queen 's in labour, 
They say, in great extremity, and fear'd 
She '11 with the labour end. 

Gardiner. The fruit she goes with 20 

I pray for heartily, that it may find 
Good time and live ; but for the stock. Sir Thomas, 
I wish it grubb'd up now. 

Lovell. Methinks I- could 

Cry the amen ; and yet my conscience says 
She 's a good creature, and, sweet lady, does 
Deserve our better wishes. 

HENRY VIII — 10 



146 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

Gardiner, But, sir, sir, — 

Hear me, Sir Thomas : you 're a gentleman 
Of mine own way ; I know you wise, religious, 
And, let me tell you, it will ne'er be well, 
'T will not, Sir Thomas Lovell, take 't of me, 30 

Till Cranmer, Cromwell, her two hands, and she, 
Sleep in their graves. 

Lovell. Now, sir, you speak of two 

The most remark'd i' the kingdom. As for Cromwell, 
Beside that of the jewel-house, is made master 
O' the rolls and the king's secretary ; further, sir. 
Stands in the gap and trade of more preferments 
With which the time will load him. The archbishop 
Is the king's hand and tongue ; and who dare speak 
One syllable against him? 

Gardiner. Yes, yes. Sir Thomas, 

There are that dare, and I myself have ventur'd 40 

To speak my mind of him; and, indeed, this day — 
Sir, I may tell it you, I think — I have 
Incens'd the lords o' the council that he is — 
For so I know he is, they know he is — 
A most arch heretic, a pestilence 
That does infect the land, with which they mov'd 
Have broken with the king, who hath so far 
Given ear to our complaint — of his great grace 
And princely care, foreseeing those fell mischiefs 
Our reasons laid before him — hath commanded 50 

To-morrow morning to the council-board 
He be convented. He 's a rank weed. Sir Thomas, 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 147 

And we must root him out. From your affairs 
I hinder you too long ; good night, Sir Thomas. 

Lovell. Many good nights, my lord. I rest your ser- 
vant. \_Exeunt Gardiner and Page. 

As Lovell is going out, enter the King and the Duke 

OF Suffolk 

King Henij, Charles, I will play no more to-night. 
My mind 's not on 't ; you are too hard for me. 

Suffolk. Sir, I did never win of you before. 

King Henry. But little, Charles, 
Nor shall not when my fancy 's on my play. — 60 

Now, Lovell, from the queen what is the news? 

Lovell. I could not personally deliver to her 
What you commanded me ; but by her woman 
I sent your message, who return'd her thanks 
In the greatest humbleness, and desir'd your highness 
Most heartily to pray for her. 

King Henry. What say'st thou, ha? 

To pray for her? what, is she crying out? 

Lovell. So said her woman, and that her sufferance 
made 
Almost each pang a death. 

King Henry. Alas, good lady ! 

Suffolk. God safely quit her of her burthen, and 70 
With gentle travail, to the gladding of 
Your highness with an heir ! 

King Henry. 'T is midnight, Charles ; 



148 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

Prithee, to bed, and in thy prayers remember 
The estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone, 
For I must think of that which company 
Would not be friendly to. 

Suffolk. I wish your highness 

A quiet night, and my good mistress will 
Remember in my prayers. 

King Henry. Charles, good night. — 

\_Exit Suffolk. 

Enter Sir Anthony Denny 

Well, sir, what follows? 

Denny. Sir, I have brought my lord the archbishop, 80 
As you commanded me. 

King Henry, Ha ! Canterbury ? 

Denny. Ay, my good lord. 

King Henry. 'T is true ; where is he, Denny? 

Denny. He attends your highness' pleasure. 

King Henry. Bring him to us. 

\Exit Denny. 

Lovell. ^Aside^ This is about that which the bishop 
spake ; 
I am happily come hither. 

Enter Denny with Cranmer 

King Henry. Avoid the gallery. \_Lovell seems to stay7\ 

Ha ! — I have said. — Be gone. 
What ! — \_Exeunt Lovell and Denny. 

Cranmer. I am fearful. — Wherefore frowns he thus? 
'T is his aspect of terror ; all 's not well. 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 149 

King Henry. How now, my lord ! You do desire to 
know 
Wherefore I sent for you. 

Cranmer. \Kneeling\ It is my duty 90 

To attend your highness' pleasure. 

King Henry. Pray you, arise, 

My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury. 
Come, you and I must walk a turn together ; 
I have news to tell you. Come, come, give me your 

hand. 
Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak, 
And am right sorry to repeat what follows. 
I have, and most unwillingly, of late 
Heard many grievous, I do say, my lord, 
Grievous complaints of you, which, being consider'd. 
Have mov'd us and our council, that you shall 100 

This morning come before us ; where I know 
You cannot with such freedom purge yourself 
But that, till further trial in those charges 
Which will require your answer, you must take 
Your patience to you, and be well contented 
To make your house our Tower. You a brother of us. 
It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness 
Would come against you. 

Cranmer. {^Kneeling agaiii\ I humbly thank your 
highness. 
And am right glad to catch this good occasion 
Most throughly to be winnow'd, where my chaff no 

And corn shall fly asunder ; for, I know. 



150 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

There 's none stands under more calumnious tongues 
Than I myself, poor man. 

King Henry. Stand up, good Canterbury ; 

Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted 
In us, thy friend. Give me thy hand, stand up ; 
Prithee, let 's walk. Now, by my halidom, 
What manner of man are you ? My lord, I look'd 
You would have given me your petition that 
I should have ta'en some pains to bring together 
Yourself and your accusers, and to have heard you, 120 
Without indurance, further. 

Cranmer. Most dread liege, 

The good I stand on is my truth and honesty ; 
If they shall fail, I, with mine enemies. 
Will triumph o'er my person, which I weigh not, 
Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing 
What can be said against me. 

King Henry, Know you not 

How your state stands i' the world, with the whole 

world ? 
Your enemies are many, and not small ; their practices 
Must bear the same proportion, and not ever 
The justice and the truth o' the question carries 130 

The due o' the verdict with it. At what ease 
Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt 
To swear against you ! such things have been done. 
You are potently oppos'd, and with a malice 
Of as great size. Ween you of better luck, 
I mean in perjur'd witness, than your Master, 



Scene I] King Henry the Eighth 151 

Whose minister you are, whiles here he Hv'd 
Upon this naughty earth ? Go to, go to ; 
You take a precipice for no leap of danger 
And woo your own destruction. 

Cranmer, God and your majesty 140 

Protect mine innocence, or I fall into 
The trap is laid for me ! 

King Henry. Be of good cheer ; 

They shall no more prevail than we give way to. 
Keep comfort to you ; and this morning see 
You do appear before them. If they shall chance, 
In charging you with matters, to commit you, 
The best persuasions to the contrary 
Fail not to use, and with what vehemency 
The occasion shall instruct you ; if entreaties 
Will render you no remedy, this ring 150 

Deliver them and your appeal to us 
There make before them. — Look, the good man weeps ; 
He 's honest, on mine honour. — God's blest mother ! 
I swear he is true-hearted, and a soul 
None better in my kingdom. — Get you gone, 
And do as I have bid you. — \_Exit Cranmer.~\ He has 

strangled 
His language in his tears. 

Enter an Old Lady 

Gentleman. \Within'\ Comeback; what mean you? 
Lady. I '11 not come back ; the tidings that I bring 
Will make my boldness manners. — Now, good angels 



152 King Henry the Eighth [Act v 

Fly o'er thy royal head and shade thy person 160 

Under their blessed wings ! 

King Henry. Now, by thy looks 

I guess thy message. Is the queen deliver'd? 
Say ay, and of a boy. 

Lady, Ay, ay, my liege. 

And of a lovely boy ; the God of heaven 
Both now and ever bless her ! — 't is a girl 
Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen 
Desires your visitation, and to be 
Acquainted with this stranger ; 't is as like you 
As cherry is to cherry. 

King Henry, Lovell, — 

Enter Lovell 

Lovell. Sir. 169 

King Henry. Give her an hundred marks. I '11 to the 

qu e en . \^Exif King. 

Lady. An hundred marks ! By this light I '11 ha' more. 

An ordinary groom is for such payment ; 

I will have more, or scold it out of him. 

Said I for this the girl was hke to him? 

I will have more, or else unsay 't ; and now, 

While it is hot, I '11 put it to the issue. \_Exeunt. 

Scene II. The Lobby before the Council- chamber 

Enter C'RANMER ; Servants, Door-keeper, etc., attending 

Cranmer. I hope I am not too late j and yet the 
gentleman 



Scene II] King Henry the Eighth 153 

That was sent to me from the council pray'd me 

To make great haste. All fast ? what means this ? Ho ! 

Who waits there? — Sure, you know me? 

Door-keeper. Yes, my lord ; 

But yet I cannot help you. 

Cra7imer. Why? 

Door-keeper. Your grace must wait till you be call'd for. 

Enter Doctor Butts 
Craiifner. So. 

Butts. [_AsiWe'] This is a piece of malice. I am glad 
I came this way so happily; the king 
Shall understand it presently. \^£xit Butts. 

Crannier. \_Aside'\ 'T is Butts, 10 

The king's physician. As he pass'd along, 
How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me ! 
Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace ! For certain 
This is of purpose laid by some that hate me — 
God turn their hearts ! I never sought their malice — 
To quench mine honour ; they would shame to make me 
Wait else at door, a fellow counsellor 
'Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures 
Must be fulfilled, and I attend with patience. 

Enter the King «;2^ Butts at a window above 

Butts. I '11 show your grace the strangest sight — 
King Henry. What 's that. Butts ? 

Butts. I think your highness saw this many a day. 21 
King Henry. Body o' me, where is it? 
Butts. There, my lord ; 



154 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

The high promotion of his grace of Canterbury, 
Who holds his state at door 'mongst pursuivants. 
Pages, and footboys. 

King Henry. Ha ! 'T is he indeed. 

Is this the honour they do one another? 
'T is well there 's one above 'em yet. I had thought 
They had parted so much honesty among 'em — 
At least, good manners — as not thus to suffer 
A man of his place, and so near our favour, 30 

To dance attendance on their lordships' pleasures, 
And at the door, too, like a post with packets. 
By holy Mary, Butts, there 's knavery. 
Let 'em alone, and draw the curtain close ; 
We shall hear more anon. — \_Exeunt. 

Scene III. The Council- chamber 

Enter the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Suffolk, Earl of 
Surrey, Lord Chamberlain, Gardiner, and Cromwell. 
The Chancellor places himself at the tipper end of the 
table on the left hand ; a seat being left void above 
him, as for the Archbishop of Canterbury. The rest 
seat themselves in oi^der on each side ; Cromwell at the 
lower end, as secretary 

Chancellor. Speak to the business, master secretary j 
Why are we met in council? 

Cromwell. Please your honours, 

The chief cause concerns his grace of Canterbury. 

Gardiner. Has he had knowledge of it ? 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 155 

Crojnwell. Yes. 

Norfolk. Who waits there ? 

Door-keeper. Without, my noble lords ? 

Gardiner. Yes. 

Door-keeper. My lord archbishop, 

And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures. 

Chancellor. Let him come in. 

Door-keeper. Your grace may enter now. 

[ Cranmer approaches the cou7icil-table. 

Chancellor. My good lord archbishop, I 'm very sorry 
To sit here at this present and behold 
That chair stand empty ; but we all are men, 10 

In our own natures frail and capable 
Of our flesh ; few are angels. Out of which frailty 
And want of wisdom you, that best should teach us. 
Have misdemean'd yourself and not a little. 
Toward the- king first, then his laws, in filling 
The whole realm, by your teaching and your chaplains — 
For so we are inform'd — with new opinions, 
Divers and dangerous, which are heresies. 
And, not reform'd, may prove pernicious. 

Gardiner. Which reformation must be sudden, too, 20 
My noble lords ; for those that tame wild horses 
Pace 'em not in their hands to make 'em gentle. 
But stop their mouths with stubborn bits, and spur them 
Till they obey the manage. If we suffer. 
Out of our easiness and childish pity 
To one man's honour, this contagious sickness. 
Farewell all physic j and what follows then ? 



156 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

Commotions, uproars, with a general taint 
Of the whole state ; as, of late days, our neighbours, 
The upper Germany, can dearly witness, 30 

Yet freshly pitied in our memories. 

Cranmer. My good lords, hitherto, in all the progress 
Both of my life and office, I have labour'd. 
And with no little study, that my teaching 
And the strong course of my authority 
Might go one way and safely, and the end 
Was ever to do well ; nor is there living — 
I speak it with a single heart, my lords — 
A man that more detests, more stirs against. 
Both in his private conscience and his place, 40 

Defacers of a pubHc peace than I do. 
Pray heaven the king may never find a heart 
With less allegiance in it ! Men that make 
Envy and crooked malice nourishment 
Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships 
That in this case of justice my accusers, 
Be what they, will, may stand forth face to face 
And freely urge against me. 

Suffolk. Nay, my lord, 

That cannot be ; you are a counsellor. 
And by that virtue no man dare accuse you. 50 

Gardiner. My lord, because we have business of more 
moment. 
We will be short with you. 'T is his highness' pleasure. 
And our consent, for better trial of you. 
From hence you be committed to the Tower, 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 157 

Where, being but a private man again, 

You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, — 

More than, I fear, you are provided for. 

Cramner. Ay, my good Lord of Winchester, I thank you ; 
You are always my good friend. If your will pass, 
I shall both find your lordship judge and juror, 60 

You are so merciful. I see your end ; 
'T is my undoing. Love and meekness, lord. 
Become a churchman better than ambition ; 
Win straying souls with modesty again, 
Cast none away. That I shall clear myself, 
Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience, 
I make as httle doubt as you do conscience 
In doing daily wrongs. I could say more. 
But reverence to your calling makes me modest. 

Gardiner. My lord, my lord, you are a sectary, 70 

That 's the plain truth ; your painted gloss discovers. 
To men that understand you, words and weakness. 

Cromwell. My Lord of Winchester, you are a little, 
By your good favour, too sharp. Men so noble. 
However faulty, yet should find respect 
For what they have been ; 't is a cruelty 
To load a falling man. 

Gardiner. Good master secretary, 

I cry your honour mercy ; you may, worst 
Of all this table, say so. 

Cromwell. Why, my lord? 

Gardiner. Do not I know you for a favourer 80 

Of this new sect? ye are not sound. 



158 King Henry the Eighth [Act v 

Cromwell. Not sound? 

Gardiner. Not sound, I say. 

Cromwell. Would you were half so honest ! 

Men's prayers, then, would seek you, not their fears. 

Gardiner. I shall remember this bold language. 

Cromwell. Do. 

Remember your bold life too. 

Chancellor. This is too much ; 

Forbear, for shame, my lords. 

Gardiner. I have done. 

Cromwell. And I. 

Chancellor. Then thus for you, my lord, — It stands 
agreed, 
I take it, by all voices, that forthwith 
You be convey'd to the Tower a prisoner, 
There to remain till the king's further pleasure 90 

Be known unto us. Are you all agreed, lords? 

All. We are. 

Cranmer. Is there no other way of mercy 

But I must needs to the Tower, my lords? 

Gardiner. What other 

Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome. 
Let some o' the guard be ready there. 

Enter Guard 
Cranmer. For me? 

Must I go like a traitor thither ? 

Gardiner. Receive him 

And see him safe i' the Tower. 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth 159 

Cranmer. Stay, good my lords ; 

I have a little yet to say. — Look there, my lords. 
By virtue of that ring I take my cause 
Out of the gripes of cruel men and give it 100 

To a most noble judge, the king my master. 

Chamberlain. This is the king's ring. 

Surrey. 'T is no counterfeit. 

Suffolk. 'T is the right ring, by heaven ! I told ye all. 
When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling, 
'T would fall upon ourselves. 

Norfolk. Do you think, my lords, 

The king will suffer but the little finger 
Of this man to be vex'd ? 

Chancellor. 'T is now too certain 

How much more is his life in value with him. 
Would I were fairly out on 't 1 

Cromwell. My mind gave me, 

In seeking tales and informations 110 

Against this man, whose honesty the devil 
And his disciples only envy at. 
Ye blew the fire that burns ye. Now have at ye. 

Enter the YAng, frownijig on them ; he takes his seat 

Gardiner. Dread sovereign, how much are we bound 
to heaven 
In daily thanks that gave us such a prince. 
Not only good and wise, but most rehgious ; 
One that in all obedience makes the church 
The chief aim of his honour, and, to strengthen 



i6o King Henry the Eighth [Act v 

That holy duty, out of dear respect, 

His royal self in judgment comes to hear 120 

The cause betwixt her and this great offender. 

King Hem J. You were ever good at sudden commen- 
dations, 
Bishop of Winchester, but know, I come not 
To hear such flattery now ; and in my presence 
They are too thin and bare to hide offences. 
To me you cannot reach you play the spaniel, 
And think with wagging of your tongue to win me ; 
But whatsoe'er thou tak'st me for, I 'm sure 
Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody. — 
\To Cranmer\ Good man, sit down. Now, let me see 
the proudest, 130 

He that dares most, but wag his finger at thee ; 
By all that 's holy, he had better starve 
Than but once think this place becomes thee not. 

Surrey. May it please your grace, — 

King Henry. No, sir, it does not please me. 

I had thought I had had men of some understanding 
And wisdom of my council, but I find none. 
Was it discretion, lords, to let this man. 
This good man — few of you deserve that title, — 
This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy 
At chamber door? and one as great as you are? 140 

Why, what a shame was this ! Did my commission 
Bid ye so far forget yourselves ? I gave ye 
Power as he was a counsellor to try him, 
Not as a groom. There 's some of ye, I see, 



Scene III] King Henry the Eighth i6i 

More out of malice than integrity, 

Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean, 

Which ye shall never have while I live. 

Chancellor. Thus far, 

My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace 
To let my tongue excuse all. What was purpos'd 
Concerning his imprisonment was rather — 150 

If there be faith in men — meant for his trial, 
And fair purgation to the world, than malice, — 
I 'm sure, in me. 

King Henry. Well, well, my lords, respect him. 
Take him, and use him well ; he 's worthy of it. 
I will say thus much for him : if a prince 
May be beholding to a subject, I 
Am, for his love and service, so to him. 
Make me no more ado, but all embrace him ; 
Be friends, for shame, my lords ! — My Lord of Canter- 
bury, 
I have a suit which you must not deny me, 160 

That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism ; 
You must be godfather and answer for her. 

Cranjner. The greatest monarch now alive may 
glory 
In such an honour ; how may I deserve it 
That am a poor and humble subject to you? 

King Henry. Come, come, my lord, you 'd spare your 
spoons. You shall have 
Two noble partners with you, — the old Duchess of Nor- 
folk 

HENRY Vni — II 



1 62 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

And Lady Marquess Dorset ; will these please you ? — 
Once more, my Lord of Winchester, I charge you, 
Embrace and love this man. 

Gardiner. With a true heart 170 

And brother-love I do it. 

Cramner, And let heaven 

Witness how dear I hold this confirmation. 

King Henry. Good man ! those joyful tears show thy 
true heart. 
The common voice, I see, is verified 
Of thee, which says thus, ' Do my Lord of Canterbury 
A shrewd turn and he is your friend for ever.' — 
Come, lords, we trifle time away ; I long 
To have this young one made a Christian. 
As I have made ye one, lords, one remain ; ( 179 

So I grow stronger, you more honour gain. \^Exeunt. 

Scene IV. The Palace Yard 
Noise and tumult witliin. Enter Porter and his Man 

Porter. You '11 leave your noise anon, ye rascals ! do 
you take the court for Parish-garden ? ye rude slaves, 
leave your gaping ! 

\_One within.'\ Good master porter, I belong to the 
larder. 

Porter. Belong to the gallows, and be hanged, you 
rogue! Is this a place to roar in? — Fetch me a 
dozen crab-tree staves, and strong ones ; these are but 
switches to 'em. — I '11 scratch your heads ! you must 



Scene IV] King Henry the Eighth 163 

be seeing christenings ! Do you look for ale and cakes 10 
here, you rude rascals? 

Alan. Pray, sir, be patient ; 't is as much impossible. 
Unless we sweep 'em from the door with cannons, 
To scatter 'em, as 't is to make 'em sleep 
On May-day morning, which will never be. 
We may as well push against Paul's as stir 'em. 

Porter, How got they in, and be hang'd? 

Man. Alas, I know not ; how gets the tide in? 
As much as one sound cudgel of four foot — 
You see the poor remainder — could distribute, 20 

I made no spare, sir. 

Porter. You did nothing, sir. 

Man. I am not Samson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colbrand, 
To mow 'em down before me, but if I spar'd any 
That had a head to hit, either young or old, 
Let me ne'er hope to see a chine again ; 
And that I would not for a cow, — God save her ! 

\_O71e within.~\ Do you hear, master porter? 

Porter. I shall be with you presently, good master 
puppy. — Keep the door close, sirrah. 

Man. What would you have me do ? 3° 

Porter. What should you do but knock 'em down 
by the dozens ? Is this Moorfields to muster in ? 

Man. There is a fellow somewhat near the door ; 
he should be a brazier by his face, for, o' my con- 
science, twenty of the dog-days now reign in 's nose. 
All that stand about him are under the line ; they need 
no other penance. The fire-drake did I hit three times 



164 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

on the head, and three times was his nose discharged 
against me : he stands there, hke a mortar-piece, to 
blow us. There was a haberdasher's wife of small wit 40 
near him, that railed upon me till her pinked porringer 
fell off her head, for kindling such a combustion in the 
state. I missed the meteor once, and hit that woman, 
who cried out, ' Clubs ! ' when I might see from far 
some forty truncheoners draw to her succour, which 
were the hope o' the Strand, where she was quartered. 
They fell on ; I made good my place ; at length they 
came to the broomstaff to me. I defied 'em still, when 
suddenly a file of boys behind 'em, loose shot, delivered 
such a shower of pebbles that I was fain to draw mine 50 
honour in and let 'em win the work. The devil was 
among 'em, I think, surely. 

Porter. These are the youths that thunder at a play- 
house and fight for bitten apples, that no audience but 
the Tribulation of Tower-hill or the limbs of Lime- 
house, their dear brothers, are able to endure. I have 
some of 'em in Limbo Patrum, and there they are like 
to dance these three days, besides the running ban- 
quet of two beadles that is to come. 

\ Enter the Lord Chamberlain 

Chamberlain. Mercy o' me, what a multitude are here ! 
They grow still, too ; from all parts they are coming, 61 
As if we kept a fair here ! Where are these porters. 
These lazy knaves? — Ye 've made a fine hand, fellows; 
There 's a trim rabble let in. Are all these 



Scene V] King Henry the Eighth 165 

Your faithful friends o' the suburbs ? We shall have 
Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies 
When they pass back from the christening. 

Porter. An 't please your honour. 

We are but men, and what so many may do, 
Not being torn a-pieces, we have done ; 
An army cannot rule 'em. 

Chajnberlain. As I live, 70 

If the king blame me for 't, I'll lay ye all 
By the heels, and suddenly, and on your heads 
Cap round fines for neglect. Ye 're lazy knaves. 
And here ye lie baiting of bombards when 
Ye should do service. Hark ! the trumpets sound ; 
They 're come already from the christening. 
Go, break among the press, and find a way out 
To let the troop pass fairly, or I '11 find 
A Marshalsea shall hold ye play these two months. 

Porter. Make way there for the princess ! 

Man. You great fellow, 

Stand close up, or I '11 make your head ache. 81 

Porter. You i' the camblet, get up o' the rail ; 
I '11 pick you o'er the pales else. \_Exeunt. 

Scene V. The Palace at Greenwich 

Enter Tnmipets, sounding; then two Aldermen, Lord 
Mayor, Garter, Cranmer, Duke of Norfolk, with 
his marshal's staff, Duke of Suffolk, two Noblemen 
bearing great standing bowls for the christening gifts ; 



1 66 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

the7i, four Noblemen bearing a canopy, under which 
the Duchess of Norfolk, godmother, bearing the child 
richly habited in a mantle, etc., train borne by a lady ; 
then follows the Marchioness of Dorset, the other 
godtnother, and ladies. The Troop pass once about the 
stage, and Garter speaks 

Garter. Heaven, from thy endless goodness, send pros- 
perous life, long, and ever happy, to the high and mighty 
princess of England, Elizabeth ! 

Flourish. Enter King and Train 

Cranmer. And to your royal grace, and the good 
queen, \_Kneeling. 

My noble partners and myself thus pray : 
All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady, 
Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy, 
May hourly fall upon ye ! 

King Henry. Thank you, good lord archbishop ; 

What is her name? 

Cranmer. Elizabeth. 

King Henry. Stand up, lord. — 

[ The King kisses the child. 
With this kiss take my blessing ; God protect thee ! lo 
Into whose hand I give thy life. 

Cranmer. Amen. 

King Henry. My noble gossips, ye have been too 
prodigal. 
I thank ye heartily ; so shall this lady 
When she has so much English. 



Scene V] King Henry the Eighth 167 

Cranmer. Let me speak, sir, 

For heaven now bids me ; and the words I utter 
Let none think flattery, for they '11 find 'em truth. 
This royal infant — heaven still move about her ! — 
Though in her cradle, yet now promises 
Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings, 
Which time shall bring to ripeness. She shall be — 20 
But few now living can behold that goodness — 
A pattern to all princes living with her, 
And all that shall succeed ; Saba was never 
More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue 
Than this pure soul shall be. All princely graces 
That mould up such a mighty piece as this is, 
With all the virtues that attend the good, 
Shall still be doubled on her ; truth shall nurse her, 
Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her. 
She shall be lov'd and fear'd ; her own shall bless her, 30 
Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn 
And hang their heads with sorrow ; good grows with her. 
In her days every man shall eat in safety 
Under his own vine what he plants, and sing 
The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours. 
God shall be truly known ; and those about her 
From her shall read the perfect ways of honour, 
And by those claim their greatness, not by blood. 
Nor shall this peace sleep with her ; but as when 
The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phoenix, 40 

Her ashes new create another heir. 
As great in admiration as herself, 



1 68 King Henry the Eighth [Act V 

So shall she leave her blessedness to one — 

When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness — 

Who from the sacred ashes of her honour 

Shall star-like rise, as great in fame as she was, 

And so stand fix'd. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror, 

That were the servants to this chosen infant. 

Shall then be his, and like a vine grow to him. 

Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine, 50 

His honour and the greatness of his name 

Shall be, and make new nations ; he shall flourish, 

And, like a mountain cedar, reach his branches 

To all the plains about him. Our children's children 

Shall see this, and bless heaven. 

King Henry. Thou speakest wonders. 

Cranmer. She shall be, to the happiness of England, 
An aged princess ; many days shall see her. 
And yet no day without a deed to crown it. 
Would I had known no more ! but she must die, 
She must, the saints must have her ; yet a virgin, 60 

A most unspotted Hly, shall she pass 
To the ground and all the world shall mourn her. 

King Henry. O, lord archbishop ! 
Thou hast made me now a man ; never, before 
This happy child, did I get any thing. 
This oracle of comfort has so pleas'd me 
That when I am in heaven I shall desire 
To see what this child does, and praise my Maker. — 
I thank ye all. — To you, my good lord mayor, 
And your good brethren, I am much beholding ; 70 



Epilogue] King Henry the Eighth 169 

I have receiv'd much honour by your presence, 

And ye shall find me thankful. — Lead the way, lords. 

Ye must all see the queen, and she must thank ye ; 

She will be sick else. This day, no man think 

Has business at his house, for all shall stay ; 

This little one shall make it holiday. \Exeunt. 



EPILOGUE 

'T is ten to one, this play can never please 

All that are here. Some come to take their ease, 

And sleep an act or two, but those, we fear, 

We 've frighted with our trumpets, — so, 't is clear, 

They '11 say 't is naught ; others, to hear the city 

Abus'd extremely, and to cry, ' That 's witty,' 

Which we have not done neither ; that, I fear, 

All the expected good we 're like to hear 

For this play, at this time, is only in 

The merciful construction of good women, 10 

For such a one we show'd 'em. If they smile 

And say 't will do, I know within a while 

All the best men are ours ; for 't is ill hap 

If they hold when their ladies bid 'em clap. 



NOTES 




Thomas Cranmer 



NOTES 



Introduction 

The Metre of the Play. — It should be understood at the out- 
set that metre, or the mechanism of verse, is something altogether 
distinct from the music of verse. The one is matter of rule, the 
other of taste and feeling. Music is not an absolute necessity of 
verse; the metrical form is a necessity, being that which constitutes 
the verse. 

The plays of Shakespeare (with the exception of rhymed pas- 
sages, and of occasional songs and interludes) are all in unrhymed 
or blank verse ; and the normal form of this blank verse is illus- 
trated by i. I. 14 of the present play: "The view of earthly glory ; 
men might say." 

This line, it will be seen, consists of ten syllables, with the even 
syllables (2d, 4th, 6th, 8th, and loth) accented, the odd syllables 



174 



Notes 



(ist, 3d, etc.) being unaccented. Theoretically, it is made up of 
five feet of two syllables each, with the accent on the second sylla- 
ble. Such a foot is called an iambus (plural, iambuses, or the Latin 
iambi), and the form of verse is called iambic. 

This fundamental law of Shakespeare's verse is subject to certain 
modifications, the most important of which are as follows : — 

1. After the tenth syllable an unaccented syllable (or even two 
such syllables) may be added, forming what is sometimes called a 
female line ; as in i. I. lo: "In their embracement, as they grew 
together." The rhythm is complete with the second syllable of 
together, \\\.Q. third being an extra eleventh syllable. In i. i. 172 
(" As give a crutch to the dead. But our count-cardinal ") we 
have two extra syllables, the rhythm being complete with the first 
syllable of cardinal. 

2. The accent in any part of the verse may be shifted from an 
even to an odd syllable ; as in i. i. 5 : " Stay'd me a prisoner in my 
chamber when ; " and 12 : "Such a compounded one ? All the 
whole time." In both lines the accent is shifted from the second 
to the first syllable. This change occurs very rarely in the tenth 
syllable, and seldom in the fourth ; and it is not allowable in two 
successive accented syllables. 

3. An extra unaccented syllable may occur in any part of the 
line ; as in i. i. 13, 16, and 36. In 13 the second syllable oi prisoner 
is superfluous ; in 1 6 the second syllable of following; and in 36 
(a female line) that of compass, and also oi fabulous. 

4. Any unaccented syllable, occurring in an even place immedi- 
ately before or after an even syllable which is properly accented, is 
reckoned as accented for the purposes of the verse ; as, for instance, 
in lines 51 and 54. In 51 the last syllable of cardinal, and in 54 
that of vanities, are metrically equivalent to accented syllables ; 
and so with the third syllable of honourable in 79 and the third of 
minister and the second of co7nmujiication in 86. 

5. In many instances in Shakespeare words must be letigthened 
in order to fill out the rhythm : — 



Notes 175 

(«) In a large class of words in which e or i is followed by 
another vowel, the e or i is made a separate syllable ; as ocean^ 
opinion, soldier , patience, partial, fnarriage, etc. For instance, in 
this play, ii. 4. i (" Whilst our commission from Rome is read ") 
appears to have only nine syllables, but conunission is a quadri- 
syllable ; and the same is true of afflictions in iii. I, 88, distraction 
in 112, suspicion in 128, and affections in 129. This lengthening 
occurs most frequently at the end of the line, but we have an 
exception in ii. 4. i, quoted above. 

{])) Many monosyllables ending in r, re, rs, res, preceded by a 
long vowel or diphthong, are often made dissyllables ; z.% fare, fear, 
dear, fire, hair, hour, more, your, Q.\.Q.. In v. I. 2 ("These should 
be hours for necessities ") hours is a dissyllable. If the word is re- 
peated in a verse it is often both monosyllable and dissyllable ; as 
in J/, of V. iii. 2. 20: " And so, though yours, not yours. Prove it 
so," where either yours (preferably the first) is a dissyllable, the 
other being a monosyllable. In /. C. iii. i. 172: "As fire drives 
out fire, so pity, pity," the first _/fr,? is a dissyllable. 

{c) Words containing / or ;', preceded by another consonant, are 
often pronounced as if a vowel came between or after the con- 
sonants ; as in T. of S. ii. i. 158: "While she did call me rascal 
fiddler" [fiddl(e)er]; A. W. iii. 5. 43= "If you will tarry, holy 
pilgrim" [pilg (e)rim] ; C, of E. v. I. 360: "These are the parents 
of these children " (childeren, the original form of the word) ; 
W. T. iv. 4. 76: "Grace and remembrance [rememb(e)rance] be 
to you both ! " etc. 

{d) Monosyllabic exclamations {ay, O, yea, nay, hail, etc.) and 
monosyllables otherwise emphasized are similarly lengthened ; also 
certain longer words; as business in the present play (iii. I. 76, 
where it is a trisyllable, as originally pronounced) ; prayers (see on 
ii. I. 77); safety (trisyllable) in Hai?t. i. 3. 21; and other words 
mentioned in the notes to the plays in which they occur. 

6. Words are also contracted for metrical reasons, like plurals 
and possessives ending in a sibilant, as balance, horse (for horses 



176 



Notes 



and horse's) , princess, sense, marriage (plural and possessive) , image, 
etc. So with many adjectives in the superlative, like fouVst (ii. 4. 
43), sharp'' st (ii. 4. 45), etc., and certain other words. 

7. The accent of words is also varied in many instances for met- 
rical reasons. Thus we find both revenue and revenue in the first 
scene of the M. N. D. (lines 6 and 158), mdture and mature, 
pursue a.nd purszie, distinct and distinct, etc. 

These instances of variable accent must not be confounded with 
those in which words were uniformly accented differently in the 
time of Shakespeare; like aspect (see on iii. 2. 367), impdrtune, 
sepulchre (verb), per sever (never persevere), perseverance, rheu- 
matic, etc. 

8. Alexandrines, or verses of twelve syllables, with six accents, 
occur here and there in the plays. They must not be confounded 
with female lines with two extra syllables (see on i above) or with 
other lines in which two extra unaccented syllables may occur. 

9. Incomplete verses, of one or more syllables, are scattered 
through the plays. See i. i. 114, 197, i. 2. 8, 108, 214, etc. 

10. Doggerel measure is used in the very earliest comedies (Z. L. 
Z. and C. of E. in particular) in the mouths of comic characters, 
but nowhere else in those plays, and never anywhere in plays 
written after 1598. 

11. Rhyme occurs frequently in the early plays, but diminishes 
with comparative regularity from that period until the latest. Thus, 
in Z. Z. Z. there are about iioo rhyming verses (about one-third 
of the whole number), in the M. N. D. about 900, in Richard II. 
and R. and J. about 500 each, while in Cor. and A. and C. there 
are only about 40 each, in the Temp, only two, and in the W. T. 
none at all, except in the chorus introducing act iv. Songs, inter- 
ludes, and other matter not in ten-syllable measure are not included 
in this enumeration. In the present play, aside from the prologue 
and the epilogue, there are only fourteen lines of ten-syllable rhyme. 

Alternate rhymes are found only in the plays written before 1599 
or 1600. In the M. of V. there are only four lines at the end of 



Notes 177 



iii. 2. In Much Ado and A. Y. L., we also find a few lines, but 
none at all in subsequent plays. 

Rhymed couplets, or " rhyme-tags," are often found at the end of 
scenes ; as in 4 of the 17 scenes of the present play. All these are 
Fletcher's. In Hain. 14 out of 20 scenes, and in Macb. 21 out 
of 28, have such "tags; " but in the latest plays they are not so 
frequent. The Temp., for instance, has but one, and the W. T. 
none. 

12. In this edition of Shakespeare, the final -ed of past tenses 
and participles in verse is printed -Vwhen the word is to be pro- 
nounced in the ordinary way; as in throned, line 1 1, of the first 
scene. But when the metre requires that the -ed be made a sepa- 
rate syllable, the e is retained ; as when throned'\% made a dissyllable. 
The only variation from this rule is in verbs like cry, die, sue, etc., 
the -ed of which is very rarely, if ever, made a separate syllable. 

Shakespeare's Use of Verse and Prose in the Plays. — 
This is a subject to which the critics have given very little attention, 
but it is an interesting study. The present play is entirely in verse 
except ii. 2 and v. 4, where prose and verse are mixed. In gen- 
eral, we may say that verse is used for what is distinctly poetical, 
and prose for what is not poetical. The distinction, however, is 
not so clearly marked in the earlier as in the later plays. The sec- 
ond scene of the M. of V., for instance, is in prose, because Portia 
and Nerissa are talking about the suitors in a familiar and playful 
way ; but in the T. G. of V., where Julia and Lucetta are discuss- 
ing the suitors of the former in much the same fashion, the scene 
is in verse. Dowden, commenting on Rick. II., remarks : " Had 
Shakespeare written the play a few years later, we may be certain 
that the gardener and his servants (iii. 4) would not have uttered 
stately speeches in verse, but would have spoken homely prose, and 
that humour would have mingled with the pathos of the scene. 
The same remark may be made with reference to the subsequent 
scene (v. 5) in which his groom visits the dethroned king in the 
Tower." Comic characters and those in low life generally speak in 

henry vrii — 12 



178 Notes 

prose in the later plays, as Dowden intimates, but in the very 
earliest ones doggerel verse is much used instead. See on 10 above. 

The change from prose to verse is well illustrated in the third 
scene of the M, of K It begins with plain prosaic talk about a 
business matter ; but when Antonio enters, it rises at once to the 
higher level of poetry. The sight of Antonio reminds Shylock of 
his hatred of the Merchant, and the passion expresses itself in verse, 
the vernacular tongue of poetry. We have a similar change in 
the first scene of /. C, where, after the quibbling " chaff " of the 
mechanics about their trades, the mention of Pompey reminds the 
Tribune of their plebeian fickleness, and his scorn and indignation 
flame out in most eloquent verse. 

The reasons for the choice of prose or verse are not always so 
clear as in these instances. We are seldom puzzled to explain the 
prose, but not unfrequently we meet with verse where we might 
expect prose. As Professor Corson remarks (^Introduction to Shake- 
speare, 1889), " Shakespeare adopted verse as the general tenor of 
his language, and therefore expressed much in verse that is within 
the capabilities of prose ; in other words, his verse constantly en- 
croaches upon the domain of prose, but his prose can never be said 
to encroach upon the domain of verse." If in rare instances we 
think we find exceptions to this latter statem.ent, and prose actually 
seems to usurp the place of verse, I believe that careful study of 
the passage will prove the supposed exception to be apparent rather 
than real. 

Some Books for Teachers and Students. — A few out of the 
many books that might be commended to the teacher and the 
critical student are the following : Halliwell-Phillipps's Outlines of 
the Life of Shakespeare (7th ed. 1887); Sidney Lee's Life of Shake- 
speare (1898; for ordinary students the abridged ed. of 1899 is 
preferable) ; Schmidt's Shakespeare Lexicon (3d ed. 1902) ; Little- 
dale's ed. of Dyce's Glossary (1902); Bartlett's Concordance to 
Shakespeare (1895); Abbott's Shakespearian Grammar (1873); 
Dowden's Shakspere : His Mind and Art (American ed. i88i)j 



Notes 179 



Hudson's Life, Art, and Characters of Shakespeare (revised ed. 
1882); Mrs. Jameson's Characteristics of Women (several eds. ; 
some with the title, Shakespeare Heroines') ; Ten Brink's Five Lec- 
ttires on Shakespeare (1895); Boas's Shakespeare and His Prede- 
cessors (1895); Dyer's Folk-lore of Shakespeare (American ed. 
1884); Gervinus's Shakespeare Co7nmentaries (Bunnett's transla- 
tion, 1875); Wordsworth's Shakespeare"" s Knoivledge of the Bible 
(3d ed. 1880); Elson's Shakespeare in Music (1901). 

Some of the above books will be useful to all readers who are 
interested in special subjects or in general criticism of Shakespeare. 
Among those which are better suited to the needs of ordinary 
readers and students, the following may be mentioned: Mabie's 
William Shakespeare : Poet, Dramatist, and Matt (1900); 
Dovvden's Shakspere Primer (1877 ; small but invaluable) ; 
Rolfe's Shakespeare the Boy (1896; treating of the home and 
school life, the games and sports, the manners, customs, and 
folk-lore of the poet's time) ; Guerber's Myths of Greece and 
Ro7tie (for young students who may need information on mytho- 
logical allusions not explained in the notes). 

Black's Judith Shakespeare (1884; a novel, but a careful study 
of the scene and the time) is a book that I always commend to 
young people, and their elders will also enjoy it. The Lambs' 
Tales fro?7i Shakespeare is a classic for beginners in the study of 
the dramatist ; and in Rolfe's ed. the plan of the authors is carried 
out in the Notes by copious illustrative quotations from the plays. 
Mrs. Cowden-Clarke's Girlhood of Shakespeare'' s Heroines (several 
eds. ) will particularly interest girls ; and both girls and boys will 
find Bennett's Master Skylark (1897) ^^^^ Imogen Clark's Will 
Shakespeare'' s Little Lad {\%()'f) equally entertaining and instructive. 

H. Snowden Ward's Shakespeare'' s Tozvn .and Times (2d ed. 
1902) and John Leyland's Shakespeare Country (2d ed. 1903) are 
copiously illustrated books (yet inexpensive) which may be par- 
ticularly commended for school libraries. W. S. Brassington's 
Shakespeare^ s Homeland (1903) deserves similar praise. 



i8o Notes 

For the English historical plays, B. E. Warner's English History 
in Shakespeare' s Plays (1894) will be good collateral reading, par- 
ticularly in secondary schools. 

Abbreviations in the Notes. — The abbreviations of the 
names of Shakespeare's plays will be readily understood ; as 
T. N. for Twelfth Night, Cor. for Coriolanus, 3 Hen. VI. for 
The Third Part of King Henry the Sixth, etc. P. P. refers to 
The Passionate Pilgrim; V. and A. to Venus and Adonis; L. C. 
to Lover'' s Complaint ; and Sonn. to the Sonnets. 

Other abbreviations that hardly need explanation are Cf {confer, 
compare), Fol. (following). Id. {idem, the same), and Prol. (pro- 
logue). The numbers of the lines in the references (except for the 
present play) are those of the " Globe " edition (the cheapest and 
best edition of Shakespeare in one compact volume), which is now 
generally accepted as the standard for line-numbers in works of ref- 
erence (Schmidt's Z^.srzV(?«, Abbott's Grammar, Dowden's Primer, 
the publications of the New Shakspere Society, etc.). 



THE PROLOGUE 

Dr. Johnson expressed the opinion that the Prologue and the 
Epilogue of this play were not written by Shakespeare, and the 
majority of the recent editors agree with him. Dyce says that, 
"whoever wrote them, they are manifestly not by Shakespeare." 
White remarks that there can hardly be a doubt on this point " in 
the mind of any reader who has truly appreciated the poet's style 
or his cast of thought." Knight, on the other hand, considers that 
"the prologue is a complete exposition of the idea of the drama," 
and that it is unquestionably Shakespeare's. See the quotation from 
Knight, p. 20 above. Some of the critics have suggested that the 
Prologue may be Ben Jonson's ; others have ascribed it to Fletcher. 

3. Sad, high, and working. " Of a lofty character, and of stirring 
interest." Staunton reads "Sad and high-working." 



Scene I] Notes 1 8 1 

9. May here find truth. On the repetition of the words true and 
truth in the prologue, and their possible connection with the origi- 
nal title of the play, see p. 13 above. 

12. Their shilling. In the time of S. this was the usual price 
of a seat on or adjoining the stage. The "groundlings" (^Ham. 
iii. 2. 12) paid only a penny, and those in the galleries twopence. 

16. In a long motley coat. Alluding to 'Ci\t. fools of the old plays 
and their professional costume. Guarded = trimmed. Cf. M. of V. 
ii. 2. 164, Much Ado, i. I. 288, etc. 

20, Opinion. Reputation. Cf. i Hen. IV. v. 4. 48: "Thou 
hast redeem'd thy lost opinion." 

24. Happiest hearers. As Steevens remarks, " happy appears to 
be used with one of its Roman meanings ; that is, propitious or 
favourable " (cf. v. 5. 65 and Virgil, Eel. v. : " Sis bonus o felixque 
tuis") ; "a sense of the word," he adds, "which must have been 
unknown to Shakespeare, but was familiar to Jonson." The poet's 
"small Latin," however, might easily have included this common 
meaning of a very common word. 



ACT I 

Scene I. — In the folio the play is divided into acts and scenes, 
and the stage-directions are remarkably full, but there is no list of 
dramatis personce. 

Enter the Duke of Norfolk, etc. This Duke of Norfolk is 
Thomas Howard, son of the " Jockey of Norfolk " of Richard III. 
(v. 3. 304), who was slain at Bosworth Field, and whose blood was 
attainted. His honours were, however, restored in his son, who 
became Lord Treasurer, Earl Marshal, and Knight of the Garter. 
This Duke of Buckingham is also the son and heir of the Duke in 
Richard III, whose forfeited honours (see below, ii. i) were re- 
stored in his son by Henry VII. He was Lord High Constable 
and a Knight of the Garter. Lord Abergavenny is George Neville, 



1 82 Notes [Act I 

third baron of that name, and " one of the very few noblemen of 
his time who was neither beheaded himself, nor the son of a be- 
headed father, nor the father of a beheaded son. His brother, 
Sir Thomas, however, was compelled to follow the fashion" 
(White). 

2. Since last zue saw. That is, saw each other. Cf. " When 
shall we see again? " in 1\ and C. iv. 4. 59 and Cymb. i. 2. 124. 

3. Fresh. Cf. iv. i. 97 below. 

6. Suns of glory. Francis I. and Henry VIII. The third folio 
has " sons of glory ; " but the latter part of the line, and these suns 
in 33 below, are in favour of the original reading. 

7. The vale of Andren. In the 2d folio Andren is altered to 
"Arde," but S. gave the word as he found it in Holinshed's 
Chronicle : " The daie of the meeting was appointed to be on the 
thursdaie the seauenth of lune, vpon which daie the two kings met 
in the vale of Andren." Guynes and Arde were two towns in 
Picardy, the one belonging to the English, the other to the French. 
The famous " Field of the Cloth of Gold " was in the valley between 
the two. 

10. As they grew together. As if, etc. Cf. iii. i. 7, etc. 

12. All the zvhole time. Cf. M. of V. iii. 4. 81 : "all my whole 
device ; " i Hen. VI. i. i. 126: " all the whole army," etc. 

16. Each following day, etc. ^^ Dies diem docet. Every day 
learned something from the preceding, till the concluding day col- 
lected all the splendour of the former shows" (Johnson). Ws 
occurs nine times in the folio, its only once (^M. for M. i. 2. 4) . 

19. Clinquant. White says this is "a descriptive word, derived 
from the tinkle or gentle clash of metal ornaments," and this agrees 
with the definition in Richardson; but other authorities make it 
mean " glittering, shining." The word is evidently from the French 
clinquant, tinsel, glitter ; but this (according to Scheler, Diet. 
d^Atymol. Frajtc), is from the Dutch klinken, to clink. The tin- 
sel, named first from its jingle, naturally came to suggest rather its 
glitter. Cf. Sylvester's Du Bartas : — 



Scene I] Notes 183 

" Their eyes sweet splendor seem, a Pharos bright, 
With clinquant raies their body 's clothed light." 

S. uses the word only here. 

23. Cherubins. This form of the word is the only one found in 
the folio, except in Ham. iv. 3. 50, where cherub occurs. 

25. That their very labour. That = so that ; as in 38 below. 

26. As a painting. That is, it gave them rosy cheeks. 

30. Him in eye. Still him in praise. Johnson quotes Dryden's 
" Two chiefs So match'd as each seem'd worthiest when alone." 

32. No discerner, etc. No critical observer would venture to 
pronounce his judgment in favour of either king. On this use of 
censure, cf. W. T.\\. \. yj : " In my just censure, in my true opin- 
ion ; " 0th. ii. 3. 193 : "mouths of wisest censure," etc. The verb 
also means to pass judgment upon, to estimate ; as in K. John, ii. 
I. 328 : "whose equality By our best eyes cannot be censured," 
etc. In T. G. of V. i. 2. 19, we have " Should censure thus on 
lovely gentlemen." 

38. Bevis was believ '</. That is, the old romantic legend of Bevis 
of Southampton. This Bevis was a Saxon whom William the Con- 
queror made Earl of Southampton. On go far, cf. Cymb. i. i. 24 : 
" You speak him far." Camden, in his Britannia, says that " while 
the monks endeavoured to extol Bevis by legendary tales, they have 
obscured and drowned his truly noble exploits." 

39. As I belong to worship, etc. As I am of the more honoured 
class, and in that honour love and seek honesty, the course of these 
triumphs and pleasures, however well related, must lose in the 
description part of that spirit and energy which were expressed in 
the real action (Johnson). For worship, cf. W. T. i. 2. 314, etc. 

42. All was royal, etc. In the folio the reading is as follows : — 

" Buc. All was Royall, 
To the disposing of it nought rebell'd, 
Order gaue each thing view. The Office did 
Distinctly his full Function : who did guide, 
I mean who set the Body, and the Limbes 



184 Notes [Act I 

Of this great Sport together ? 

Nor. As you guesse : 
One certes, that promises no Element 
In such a businesse. 

Buc. I pray you who, my Lord ? " 

Theobald arranged the passage as in the text, and has been fol- 
lowed by most of the more recent editors. 

48. That promises no element, etc. " Of whom it would not be 
expected that he would find his proper sphere in such a business " 
(Schmidt), Some make certes ( = certainly), a monosyllable here 
and in 0th. i. I. 16, but elsewhere in S. it is clearly a dissyllable. 

54. Fierce vanities. Fierce here appears to mean "extreme, 
excessive." Cf. T. of A. iv. 2. 30 : "O the fierce wretchedness that 
glory brings !" See also M. N. D. iv. i. 74 and Cymb. v. 5. 382, 

55. Keech. A lump of fat. " It had a triple application to Wol- 
sey, as a corpulent man, a reputed butcher's son, and a bloated 
favourite" (White). In Hen. IV. ii. 4. 252, Prince Henry calls 
Falstaff a "greasy tallow-keech " ("Tallow Catch" in the folio). 

56. Beneficial stcn. " King Henry. Wolsey stands between the 
king and his subjects. See the next scene, where the king knows 
nothing of the grievous taxes Wolsey is imposing " (Adee). Bene- 
ficial =h&ne.^ctr\\. ; as in C. of E. i. i. 152. 

60. Chalks successors their ivay. Cf. Temp. v. i. 203 : "For it 
is you that have chalk'd forth the way." 

63. Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note. The folio 
reads : " Out of his Selfe-drawing Web. O giues vs note," etc. 
The correction is by Capell (who suggests that the 6? is a misprint 
for A or 'a, which is often used for he) and is generally adopted. 
On note (=: notice, information), cf. i. 2. 48 below. 

65. Heaven gives for him. That is, for his own use; or = " as he 
had nothing of his own " (Wright). 

75. The file. The list. Cf. Macb. v. 2. 8 : " I have a file Of all 
the gentry." 

77. To whom as great a charge . . . lay upon. Some editors 



Scene I] Notes 185 

read " Too, whom," etc. But double prepositions are not uncom- 
mon in S. 

78. His own letter . . . he papers. The folio reads, 

"his owne Letter 
The Honourable Boord of Councell, out 
Must fetch him in, he Papers." 

Pope says : " He papers, a verb : his own letter, by his own single 
authority, and without the concurrence of the council, must fetch 
him in whom he papers down. I don't understand it, unless this 
be the meaning." This explanation is accepted by most of the edi- 
tors, but some have read " the papers " (that is, " all communica- 
tions on the subject," which he requires by " his own letter " to be 
addressed to himself), and Staunton conjectures "he paupers." 
We hnd papers as a verb in Albion'' s England, chap. 80 : " Set is 
the soveraigne Sunne did shine when paper'd last our penne." 

82. Sickened. Impaired, impoverished. The metaphor is like 
that in J. C. iv. 2. 20 : " When love begins to sicken and decay." 

84. Have broke their backs zvith laying manors on ''em. Cf. K. 
John, ii. I. 70 : " Bearing their birthrights proudly on their backs." 
Burton, in his Anato??iy of Melancholy (ed. 1634), says : " 'T is an 
ordinary thing to put a thousand oakes, or an hundred oxen, into a 
sute of apparell, to weare a whole manor on his backe." 

85. What did this vanity, etc. " What effect had this pompous 
show but the production of a wretched conclusion?" (Johnson). 
Staunton says, " but furnish discourse on the poverty of its result ; " 
and Weight, " furnish occasion for a conference which led to a poor 
result." 

88. Not values. For the transposition, cf. ii. 2. 53 and ii. 3. 50 
below. 

90. The hideous storm that follozv' d. " Monday the xviii. of June 
was such an hideous storme of wind and weather that many conjec- 
tured it did prognosticate trouble and hatred shortly after to follow 
between princes " (Holinshed). 

91. Not consulting. That is, independently of each other. 



1 86 Notes [Act I 

93. Aboded. Foreboded. Cf. 3 Hen. VI. v. 6. 45 : " aboding 
luckless time." In the same play (iv. 7. 13) we have the noun 
abodements. Budded, in Norfolk's reply, is possibly a play upon 
aboded. 

96. At Bourdeaux. According to Hall, this seizure of English 
goods occurred on the 6th of March, 1522. 

97. The ambassador is silendd. Refused an audience. On 
Marry, is''t, cf. Ham. i. 4. 13, etc. 

98. A proper title of a peace. A fine description of a peace, this 
making an ambassador hold his peace ! On the ironical use of 
proper^ cf. Macb. iii. 4. 60 : — 

" O proper stuff ! 
This is the very painting of your fear." 

100. Carried. Managed. Cf. i. 2. 134 below and M. N. D. iii. 
2. 240. Like it your grace = may it like, or please, your grace. 
We have the full expression in v. 3. 148 below : " may it like your 
grace," etc. Cf. Hen. V. iv. i. 16: "this lodging likes me better;" 
Lear, ii. 2. 96 : "his countenance likes me not," etc. 

115. Surveyor. Charles Knevet. Cf. Holinshed, p. 193 below. 

116. Where ^s his examination? That is, where is he to be 
examined ? So please you = if it please you. 

120. This butcher'' s cur. " Wolsey was not the son of a butcher, 
but, as we know by his father's will, of a substantial and even 
wealthy burgess of Ipswich, where, and in Stoke, he was a consid- 
erable landholder. A butcher might be all this now, and more, 
but not then" (White). 

122. A beggar'' s book. A beggar's learning. "Although the 
duke is afterwards called ' a learned gentleman,' and is known from 
contemporary authority to have had a taste for letters, yet it is not 
out of character that he should here use the insolent and narrow 
tone of his order in those times" (Verplanck). Cf. 2 Hen. VI. iv. 
7. 77 : "Because my book (that is, learning) preferr'd me to the 
king." 



Scene I] Notes 1 87 

123. Chafd. Angry. Cf. iii. 2. 206 below. 

124. Te77iperance. Patience, moderation. Cf. Cor. iii. 3. 28 : 
" Being once chafd, he cannot Be rein'd again to temperance." 
Appliance = application, remedy ; as in Ham. iv. 3. 10, etc. 

128. Bores me, etc. "Undermines me with some device" 
(Staunton). Wright explains it as = " cheats, deceives ; " for which 
there is some authority. 

132. Anger is like, etc. Cf. Massinger, The Unnatural Com- 
bat : — 

" Let passion work, and, like a hot-rein'd horse, 
'T will quickly tire itself." 

134. Self-mettle. His own fiery temper. 

137. From a mouth of honour, etc. "I will crush this base- 
born fellow, by the due influence of my rank, or say that all dis- 
tinction of persons is at an end" (Johnson). 

139. Advised. Considerate, careful ; as often. 

140. Heat not a furnace, etc. Possibly, as Steevens suggests, 
an allusion to Daniel, iii. 22. 

144. Mounts the liquor. Cf. i. 2. 205 below, and Temp.\\.2. 11, 
etc. 

147. More stroizger. Double comparatives and superlatives are 
common in S. 

148. If with the sap of reason, etc. Cf. Ham. iii. 4. 123: — 

" Upon the heat and flame of thy distemper 
Sprinkle cool patience." 

151. Top-proud. "Topping all others" (^Cor. ii. i. 23) in 
pride. 

152. Whom from the flow of gall, etc. "Whom I call so, not 
from mere bitterness of feeling, but from honest indignation. 

157. Vouch. Attestation. For the noun, cf. J/./cir iJ/. ii. 4. 156, 
0th. ii. I. 147, etc. 

159. Equal. Used by S. as an adverb only here. 
164. Suggests. Incites or tempts ; as often. 



1 88 Notes [Act I 

167. P the rinsing. The folio has "ith' wrenching," which is 
probably a corruption of rinsing, as Pope conjectured. 

172. Count-cardinal. Wolsey is called " king-cardinal" in ii. 2. 
19. As Archbishop of York he was a Count-Palatine. 

176. Charles the emperor. Charles V., emperor of Germany. 

177. The queen, his aunt. Joanna of Castile, daughter of Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella, and sister to Katherine of Aragon. 

178. His colour. His pretext. Cf. A. and C. i. 3. 32 : "seek 
no colour for your going." 

179. Visitation. Visit ; the only meaning in S. He does not 
use visit as a noun. 

184. Trow. Think, believe ; as often. 

186. Paid ere he pro7nis''d, etc. Gave a bribe before Wolsey 
gave a promise ; and by Wolsey's acceptance of the bribe the suit 
was virtually granted, 

190. Foresaid. S. uses y^r^j«2(/ six times, ^y^r^i'ix/^ three times. 

195. So7nething mistaken. Somewhat mistaken or misappre- 
hended hy you. Something \s, often an adverb. 

197. He shall appear in proof. That is, i7i Tjohich he shall 
appear in the provijig, or when brought to the test. For the 
ellipsis, cf. V. i. 84 below. The stage-direction here is wrong. 
The arrest was not made by Brandon, but by Sir Henry Marney, 
or Marnay, Captain of the King's Guard. 

200. Hereford. The folio has " Hertford ; " corrected by 
Capell. 

202. Lo you. Look you ; as in W. T. i. 2. 106 : " Why, lo 
you now," etc. 

204. Device and practice. Intrigue and artifice. Cf. 0th. v. 2. 
292 : " Fallen in the practice of a cursed slave." See also i. 2. 
127, iii. 2. 29, and v. i. 128 below. 

/ a7n sorry To see you to' en, etc. Johnson explains this, " I am 
sorry to be present and an eye-witness of your loss of liberty ; " 
Staunton (perhaps rightly), " I am sorry, since it is to see you de- 
prived of liberty, that I am a witness of this scene." 



Scene II] Notes 1 89 

208. That dye. The literal meaning of attainder is a staining. 
211. Abe7-gd'ny. The usual pronunciation to this day. 

217. Attach. Arrest. Cf. C. of E. iv. i. 6 : "I'll attach you 
by this officer," etc. Lord Montacute was Henry Pole, grandson 
to George, Duke of Clarence, and eldest brother to Cardinal Pole. 
He was restored to favour at this time, but was afterwards arrested 
for another treason and executed. 

218. Confessor. Accented by S. on the first or second syllable, 
as suits the measure. Surveyor he accents on the first only in 222. 

219. His chancellor. The folio has "his Councellour," but in 
ii. I. 20, " Sir Gilbert Perke, his Chancellour," which agrees with 
Hall and Holinshed. 

221. Nicholas Hopkins. The folio has " Michaell Hopkins ;''^ 
probably from the printer's mistaking the abbreviation '■^ Nich.^'' for 
^^ Alich." The Carthusians, or "monks of the Chartreuse," ap- 
peared in England about 1 180, and in 1371 a monastery of the 
order was founded on the site of the present Charter-house (the 
name is a corruption of Chartreuse) ., in London. 

225. Whose ^gure even this instant cloud, etc. Whose refers to 
Buckingham, not to shadow. "The speaker says that his life is 
cut short already, and that what they see is but the shadow of the 
real Buckingham whose figure is assumed by the instant [the pres- 
ent, the passing] cloud which darkens the sun of his prosperity. 
Johnson first proposed to read, 'this instant cloud puts out^ and in 
so doing diverted the minds of many readers (including editors 
and comnientators) from the real meaning of the passage, and 
created an obscurity for them which otherwise might not have 
existed" (White). 

Scene II. — " The chronology of this scene is very much 
confused. The investigation of the charges against Buckingham 
took place in April, 1521, and the rebellion on account of the com- 
mission was four years later" (Wright). 

2. /' the level. In the direct aim ; the technical term. Cf. 



1 90 Notes [Act I 

Sonn. 117. II : "Bring me within the level of your frown, But 
shoot not at me." 

3. Confederacy. Conspiracy. Cf. i Hen. IV. iv. 4. 38, etc. 

6. Justify. Verify, prove ; as in Temp. v. i. 128 : "justify 
you traitors," etc. 

9. The king riseth from his state. That is, from his throne. 
Cf. I Hen. IV. ii. 4. 416 : "This chair shall be my state, this dag- 
ger my sceptre," etc. 

19. Of true condition. Of loyal character. 

24. Putter-on. Instigator. Cf. W. T. ii. v. 141 : "You are 
abus'd, and by some putter-on." Fttt on is often used with a like 
sense ; as in Hajii. iv. 7. 132: "We'll put on those shall praise 
your excellence." 

27. Breaks The sides, etc. Wright compares T. N. ii. 4. 96: — 

" There is no woman's sides 
Can bide the beating of so strong a passion." 

32. longing. Belonging. The word is not a contraction of 
" belonging," though Abbott and others print " 'longing." Ex- 
amples of long with this sense are common in Old English ; as 
in Chaucer, Knightes Tale, 1420 : " That to the sacrifice longen 
schal." For examples in S., see T. of S. iv. 2. 45, iv. 4. 7, A. W. 
iv. 2. 42, Cor. V. 3. 170, Hen. V. ii. 4. 80, etc. Cf. ii. 3. 48 below. 

33. Spinsters. Spinners ; the only meaning in S. Cf. T. N. 
ii. 4. 45 and 0th. ii. I. 24. Originally it meant female spinners, 
the suffix -ster being feminine. 

37. Danger serves among them. Danger is often personified by 
our old poets ; as by Chaucer, Gower, Skelton, and Spenser 
(Steevens). 

40. Please you. If it please you. Cf. i. i. 117 above. 

42. Front but in that file, etc. Johnson says, "I am but first 
in the row of counsellors ; " but Wolsey disclaims any priority. 
"Iface in that file," he says, or "I am but one in the row." On 
tell (= count) cf. Temp. ii. i. 15, 289, etc. 



Scene II] Notes 191 

44. Bitt you frame, etc. But you originate these measures 
which are adopted by the council. 

45. Alike. That is, to you and others. 

47. Be their acquaintance. Know them, experience them. 

52. Too hard an exclamation. Too harsh an outcry against 
you. Cf. 2 Hen. IV. ii. I. 87 : "this tempest of exclamation." 

55. Boldeii'd. Cf.i A. Y. L. ii. 7. 91 : " Art thou thus bolden'd, 
man, by thy distress ? " S. also used e7nbolden ; as in M. W. ii. 2. 
173, T. of A. iii. 5. 3, etc. Some print "'bolden'd;" but the 
word is not a contraction. 

64. This tractable obedience, etc. Their resentment gets the 
better of their obedience. 

67. There is no p7'imer business. No more urgent business. 
The folio has " no primer basenesse ; " corrected by Warburton. 

75. Brake. Thicket ; as in M. N. D. ii. i. 227, iii. i. 4, 77, 
no, iii. 2. 15, etc. 

78. To cope. Of encountering. Cf. A. Y.L.\\. 1.67: " I love 
to cope him in these sullen fits ; " T. and C. ii. 3. 275 : " Ajax 
shall cope the best." 

80. A^ew trimm''d. Just fitted out. 

82. Sick interpreters. Ill-disposed critics. Once weak ones = 
sometimes (at one time or another) weak ones. Qi. Jeremiah., xiii. 27. 

83. Not allow'' d. Not approved. Cf. ii. 4. 4 below. 

84. Hitting a grosser quality. Suiting or gratifying a baser 
nature. 

94. Stick them in our will. Bring them under arbitrary rule 
(after tearing them from the protection of the laws). 

95. A trembling contribution. That is, that may well make us 
tremble ; or " make the giver tremble." 

96. Lop. The lop-wood, or smaller branches-; the only instance 
of the noun in S, 

105. Hardly conceive. Have hard thoughts. 
no. Is run in your displeasure. Has incurred (which is, liter- 
ally, run into^ your displeasure. 



192 Notes [Act I 

III. Learned. He was a patron of literature. The contracted 
learn'' d vs, not rare as an adjective in S., but we often find learned; 
as in ii. 2. 76, 96, 123, etc., below. 

118. Complete. Accomplished. The accent is on the first sylla- 
ble. Cf. L. L. L. i. I. 137 : "A maid of grace and complete 
majesty; " Ham. i. 4. 52 : "That thou, dead corse, again in com- 
plete steel," etc. Below (iii. 2. 49) we have the word with the 
ordinary accent : " She is a gallant creature and complete ; " 
as usually when it occurs in the predicate. In the present 
instance, its occurrence at the end of a " female " line explains the 
accent. 

128. Feel too little. Experience, or suffer from them., too little. 

132. First, it zvas usual, etc. Holinshed says : "And first he 
uttered that the duke was accustomed, by way of talk, to say how 
he meant so to use the matter that he would attain to the crown if 
King Henry chanced to die without issue ; and that he had talk 
and conference of that matter on a time with George Nevill, Lord 
of Abergavenny, unto whom he had given his daughter in marriage; 
and also that he threatened to punish the cardinal for his manifold 
misdoings, being without cause his mortal enemy." 

134. He '// carry it. See on i. i. 100 above. In such sen- 
tences we frequently find our early writers using will where we 
should use would. Cf. C. of E. i. 2. 85 : — 

" If I should pay your worship those again, 
Perchance you will not bear them patiently ; " 

and Cor. i. 9. i : — 

" If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work, 
Thou 'It not believe thy deeds." 

Cf. , a few lines above, " If we shall stand still, . . . We should 
take root." See 2X^0 John, viii. 55. 

139. This dangerous conception, etc. "This particular part of 
this dangerous design" (Johnson). 

140. By his wish. In accordance with his wish. 



Scene II] Notes 1 93 

143. Deliver all. Relate all ; a common meaning of deliver 
m S. Cf. ii. 3. 104 below. 

145. Upon our fail? In case of our failing to have an heir. 

147. Nicholas Henton. The folio reading, altered by some 
editors to "Nicholas Hopkins; " but the man was often called 
Henton, from the monastery to which he belonged. Holinshed 
says : " . . . being brought into a full hope that he should be king, 
by a vain prophecy which one Nicholas Hopkins, a monk of 
an house of the Chartreux order beside Bristow, called Henton, 
sometime his confessor, had opened to him." 

148. What. Who; as often. On cdnfessor, see on i. I. 218 
above. 

1 50. Words of sovereignty. That is, referring to his succession 
to the throne. 

151. Not long before. On the loth of May, 1520. 

152. The Rose. The manor of the Red Rose, an estate of 
Buckingham's. 

162. Car. Changed by Warburton to "Court," as in Holinshed. 
Choice = chosen, appointed ; the only instance of this sense in S. 

164. Under the confession^ s seal. The folio misprints "vnder the 
Commissions Scale ; " corrected by Theobald. Holinshed says : 
"The duke in talk told the monk, that he had done very well to 
bind his chaplain, John de la Court, under the seal of confession, 
to keep secret such matter." 

This whole passage is a close paraphrase of Holinshed: "The 
same duke, the tenth day of May, in the twelfth year of the King's 
reign, at London in a place called the Rose, within the parish of 
Saint Laurence Poultney, in Canwick street ward, demanded of the 
said Charles Knevet esquire what was the talk amongst the Lon- 
doners concerning the king's journey beyond, the seas. And the 
said Charles told him that many stood in doubt of that journey, 
lest the Frenchmen meant some deceit towards the king. Whereto 
the duke answered, that it was to be feared, lest it would come to 
pass according to the words of a certain holy monk. For there is, 

HENRY VIII — 13 



194 Notes [Act I 

saith he, a Chartreux monk that divers times hath sent to me, will- 
ing me to send unto him my chancellor. And I did send unto him 
John de la Court, my chaplain, unto whom he would not declare 
anything till de la Court had sworn to keep all things secret, and 
to tell no creature living what he should hear of him, except it 
were to me. And then the said monk told de la Court that neither 
the king nor his heirs should prosper, and that I should endeavour 
to purchase the good wills of the commonalty ; for I the same duke 
and my blood should prosper, and have the rule of the realm of 
England." 

167. With demure confidence, etc. "In a grave confidential 
manner this was then uttered with pausing intervals." On demure, 
cf. A. and C. iv. 9. 31: "Hark! the drums Demurely (solemnly) 
wake the sleepers." 

174. Spleen. Malice ; as in ii. 4. 90 below, etc. 

181. It forg'd him so7ne design. It enabled him to contrive some 
plan (for obtaining the crown) o 

184. FaiVd. " Euphemistically = to die" (Schmidt). 

186. What, so rank? *' What, was he advanced to this pitch?" 
(Johnson). 

199. Have put his knife into him. S. follows Hall and Holin- 
shed closely here ; and Hall followed the legal records. 

205. Alounting his eyes. See on i. i. 144 above. 

209. His period. His end, the intended consummation of his 
treason. Cf. M. W. iii. 3. 47 : " the period of my ambition," etc. 
We find period as a verb in T. of A. i. i. 99: "Periods his com- 
fort." 

210. Attach'' d. See on i. I. 217 above. 

213. By day and night. An oath, not an expression of time. 
Cf. Ham. i. 5. 164: "O day and night, but this is wondrous 
strange." 

Scene III. — Enter the Lord Chambei^lain, etc. The dramatist 
has placed this scene in 1521. Charles (Somerset), Earl of 



Scene III] Notes 195 

Worcester, was then Lord Chamberlain ; but when the king in fact 
went in masquerade to Wolsey's house (1526), Lord Sands, who is 
here introduced as accompanying the chamberlain, held that office. 
This Lord Sands was Sir William Sands, created a peer in 1524, 
and made chamberlain on the death of the Earl of Worcester in 
1526. 

2. Mysteries. Fantastic costumes ; like those of actors in a 
mystery play. 

3. Never so ridiculous. Modern usage favours " ever so " rather 
than "never so." 

7. A Jit or two 0' the face. A few grimaces, like those caused 
by epilepsy. Wright compares Lear, ii. 2. 87 : " your epileptic 
visage." 

10. Pepin or Clotharius. Cloth aire and Pepin were kings of 
France in the sixth century. We find allusions to Pepin in L. L. L. 
iv. I. 122 and A. W. ii. i. 79, and to both him and Clothaire in 
Hen. V. i. 2. 65, 67. 

13. Or springhalt. The folio has "A Spring-halt;" but, as 
Verplanck suggests, S. was too well skilled in horseflesh to con- 
found two diseases so different, not only in nature, but in external 
effect, as the spavin and the springhalt. 

23. And never see the Louvre. That is, although he has never 
been at the French court. 

25. Fool and feather. The feathers in the hats of the French 
gallants and their English imitators are indirectly compared to 
those worn by the professional jester — the "feathers wagging in a 
fool's cap," as an old ballad has it. 

26. Points of ignorance. Foolish details or peculiarities. 

27. Fireworks. There were displays of fireworks on the last 
evening of the interview on the Field of the Cloth of Gold. 

30. Tennis. From the fifteenth century the game of ball 
known as tennis had been a favourite amusement in France with 
all classes, from the monarch to the meanest of his subjects ; and 
at this time it was coming to be no less popular in England. 



196 



Notes [Act I 



31. Short blistered breeches. "This word 'blister'd' describes 
with picturesque humour the appearance of the slashed breeches, 
covered as they were with little puffs of satin lining which thrust 
themselves out through the slashes" (White). Types = marks. 

32. Understand. There is a play on the word ; as in T. N. iii. 
I. 89. 

34. Cum privilegio. With privilege ; or " with exclusive copy- 
right." Cf. T. of S. iv. 4. 93. 

42. Plain-song. Tn music, " the simple melody, without any 
variations." Cf. M. N. D. iii. i. 134 and Hen. V. iii. 2. 6. 

44. Held current music. That is, find it held, or recognized, as 
good music. P'or the ellipsis, cf. ii. i. 154 below. 

45. Coifs tooth. A proverbial expression for youthful follies or 
fancies. Cf. colt (= foolish young fellow) in M. of V. i. 2. 44: 
"That 's a colt indeed," etc. 

55. That said other. Who should say anything to the contrary. 
Cf. 0th. iv. 2. 13: "If you think other." 

56. He may. That is, may be generous. For has the folio has 
"h'as," as often for "he has." 

57. Sparing would show, ^K-Q. Parsimony would appear, etc. 

60. So great ones. That is, so great examples. My barge stays ; 
that is, it is waiting to take us (from the palace at Bridewell) to 
York-place. 

61. Your lordship shall along. Cf. Ham. iii. 3. 4: "And he to 
England shall along with you ; " a very common ellipsis. 

Scene IV. — The Presence-chamber in York-place. " Whitehall, 
or rather the Palace, for that name was unknown until after 
Wolsey's time, was originally built by Hubert de Burgh, the emi- 
nent but persecuted Justiciary of England during the reign of 
Henry III. He bequeathed it to the convent of Blackfriars in 
Holborn, and they sold it to Walter de Grey, Archbishop of York, 
in 1248. From that time it was called York House, and remained 
for nearly three centuries the residence of the prelates of that see. 



Scene IV] Notes 197 

The last archiepiscopal owner was Wolsey, during whose residence 
it was characterized by a sumptuous magnificence that most prob- 
ably has never been equalled in the house of any other English sub- 
ject, or surpassed in the palaces of many of its kings" (Knight's 
London, i. 334). For the change of name, cf. iv. i. 93 below. 

The details of this scene are from Cavendish,^ who says: "And 
when it pleased the king's majesty, for his recreation, to repair 
unto the cardinal's house, as he did divers times in the year, at 
which time there wanted no preparation or goodly furniture, with 
viands of the finest sort that might be provided for money or 
friendship ; such pleasures were then devised for the king's com- 
fort and consolation as might be invented, or by man's wit imagined. 
The banquets were set forth, with masks and mummeries, in so 
gorgeous a sort and costly manner, that it was a heaven to behold. 
There wanted no dames or damsels meet or apt to dance with the 
maskers, or to garnish the place for the time, with other goodly 
disports. Then was there all kind of music and harmony set 
forth, with excellent voices both of men and children. I have 
seen the king suddenly come in thither in a mask, with a dozen of 
other maskers, all in garments like shepherds, made of fine cloth 
of gold, and fine crimson satin paned,^ and caps of the same, with 
visors of good proportion of visnomy,^ their hairs and beards either 
of fine gold wire or else of silver, and some being of black silk ; 
having sixteen torch-bearers, besides their drums, and other per- 

1 I give the passage as quoted by Knight, in his Pictorial Edition of 
Shakespeare. The MS. copies of Cavendish vary a good deal in their 
readings. 

'^ Paned means "ornamented with cuts or openings in the cloth, 
where other colours were inserted in silk, and drawn through" (Nares). 
Cf. Thynne's Debate (1580) : — 

" This breech was paned in the fayrest wyse, 
And with right satten very costly lyned," 

3 That is, physiognomy. Cf. A. W. iv. 5. 42: "His phisnomy is 
more hotter," etc. 



198 



Notes [Act I 



sons attending upon them, with visors, and clothed all in satin of 
the same colours. And at his coming, and before he came into the 
hall, ye shall understand, that he came by water to the water gate, 
without any noise ; where against his coming were laid charged 
many chambers, and at his landing they were all shot off, which 
made such a rumble in the air, that it was like thunder. It made 
all the noblemen, ladies, and gentlemen, to muse what it should 
mean coming so suddenly, they sitting quietly at a solemn banquet; 
under this sort : First, ye shall perceive, that the tables were set in 
the chamber of presence, banquet-wise covered, my lord cardinal 
sitting under the cloth of estate, and there having his service all 
alone ; and then was there set a lady and a nobleman, or a gentle- 
man and gentlewoman, throughout all the tables in the chamber on 
the one side, which were made and joined as it were but one table. 
All which order and device was done and devised by the Lord 
Sands, lord chamberlain to the king ; and also by Sir Heiiry Guil- 
ford, comptroller to the king. Then immediately after this great 
shot of guns the cardinal desired the lord chamberlain and comp- 
troller to look what this sudden shot should mean, as though he 
knew nothing of the matter. They, thereupon iDoking out of the 
windows into Thames, returned again, and showed him that it 
seemed to them there should be some noblemen and strangers 
arrived at his bridge, as ambassadors from some foreign prince. 
With that quoth the cardinal, ' I shall desire you, because ye can 
speak French, to take the pains to go down into the hall to en- 
counter and to receive them according to their estates, and to con- 
duct them into this chamber, where they shall see us, and all these 
noble personages, sitting merrily at our banquet, desiring them to 
sit down with us, and to take part of our fare and pastime.' Then 
they went incontinent down into the hall, where they received 
them with twenty new torches, and conveyed them up into the 
chamber, with such a number of drums and fifes as I have seldom 
seen together at one time at any masque. At their arrival into the 
chamber, two and two together, they went directly before the car- 



Scene IV] Notes 1 99 

dinal where he sat, saluting him very reverently ; to whom the lord 
chamberlain for them said : * Sir, forasmuch as they be strangers, 
and can speak no English, they have desired me to declare unto 
your grace thus: They, having understanding of this your tri- 
umphant banquet, where was assembled such a number of excellent 
fair dames, could do no less, under the supportation of your good 
grace, but to repair hither to view as well their incomparable 
beauty, as for to accompany them at mumchance,^ and then after 
to dance with them, and so to have of them acquaintance. And, 
sir, they furthermore require of your grace licence to accomplish 
the cause of their repair.' To whom the cardinal answered that he 
was very well contented they should do so. Then the maskers 
went first and saluted all the dames as they sat, and then returned 
to the most worthiest, and there opened a cup full of gold, with 
crowns and other pieces of coin, to whom they set divers pieces to 
be cast at. Thus in this manner perusing all the ladies and gentle- 
women, and to some they lost, and of some they won. And thus 
done, they returned unto the cardinal, with great reverence, pour- 
ing down all the crowns in the cup, which was about two hundred ■ 
crowns. ' At all ! ' '^ quoth the cardinal, and so cast the dice, and 
won them all at a cast, whereat was great joy made. Then quoth 
the cardinal to my lord chamberlain, ' I pray you,' quoth he, ' that 
you will show them, that it seemeth me that there should be 
among them some noble man whom I suppose to be much more 
worthy of honour to sit and occupy this room and place than I ; 
to whom I would most gladly, if I knew him, surrender my place 
according to my duty.' Then spake my lord chamberlain unto 
them in French, declaring my lord cardinal's mind, and they 
rounding^ him again in the ear, my lord chamberlain said to my 

1 A game played either with cards or with dice ; here the latter, as 
appears from what follows. 2 That is, I throw for all the money. 

3 To round in the ear, or simply to round, meant to whisper. See 
K.'John, ii. i. 566 : " rounded in the ear ; " W. T. i. 2. 217 : " whisper-, 
ing, rounding," etc. 



200 Notes [Act I 

lord cardinal : ' Sir, they confess,' quoth he, * that among them 
there is such a noble personage, whom if your grace can appoint 
him from the other, he is contented to disclose himself, and to 
accept your place most worthily.' With that the cardinal, taking a 
good advisement among them, at the last quoth he : ' Meseemeth 
the gentleman with the black beard should be even he.' And with 
that he arose out of his chair, and offered the same to the gentle- 
man in the black beard, with his cap in his hand. The person to 
whom he offered then his chair was Sir Edward Neville, a comely 
knight, of a goodly personage, that much more resembled the 
king's person in that mask than any other. The king, hearing and 
perceiving the cardinal so deceived in his estimation and choice, 
could not forbear laughing ; but plucked down his visor, and 
Master Neville's also, and dashed out with such a pleasant counte- 
nance and cheer, that all noble estates there assembled, seeing the 
king to be there amongst them, rejoiced very much. The cardinal 
eftsoons desired his highness to take the place of estate ; to whom 
the king answered, that he would go first and shift his apparel ; 
and so departed, and went straight into my lord's bedchamber, 
where was a great fire made and prepared for him, and there 
new-apparelled him with rich and princely garments. And, in the 
time of the king's absence, the dishes of the banquet were clean 
taken up, and the tables spread again with new and sweet per- 
fumed cloths ; every man sitting still until the king and his maskers 
came in among them again, every man being newly apparelled. 
Then the king took his seat under the cloth of estate, commanding 
no man to remove, but sit still, as they did before. Then in came 
a new banquet before the king's majesty, and to all the rest 
through the tables, wherein, I suppose, were served two hundred 
dishes or above, of wondrous costly meats and devices subtilly 
devised. Thus passed they forth the whole night with banqueting, 
dancing, and other triumphant devices, to the great comfort of 
the king, and pleasant regard of the nobility there assembled." 
State. The canopy over the chair of state. See on i. 2. 9 above. 



Scene IV] Notes 20 1 

4. Bevy. The word meant at first a flock of birds, especially 
quails ; afterward a company of persons, especially ladies. Cf. 
Milton, P. L. xi. 582: "A bevy of fair women ;" Spenser, F. Q. 
i. 9, 34: "A lonely bevy of faire Ladies sate." In Ham. v. 2. 197, 
the folio has " the same Beauy," the quartos " the same breed." 
The word occurs nowhere else in S. 

6. As first good company. The very best company. The folio 
points thus : " As first, good Company ; " and Hanmer and Wright 
have " As, first, good company." 

7. You We tardy. The folio has here, as in several places below, 
"y'are" (perhaps = ye are), which some retain. 

24. For my little cure. As regards my little curacy. 

30. Such a bowl may hold. An ellipsis like that of as or that after 
so ; as in M. of V. iii. 3. 9 : " so fond to come abroad." 

32. Beholding. Beholden; as often. Cf. v. 3. 156; also Butler's 
Grammar (1633), imperfectly quoted by Boswell: ^^ Beholding to 
one : — of to behold or regard : which, by a Synecdoche generis^ 
signifyeth to respect and behold, or look upon with love and thanks 
for a benefit received. ... So that this English phrase, / am be- 
holding to you, is as much as, I specially respect you for some special 
kindness : yet some, now-a-days, had rather write it Beholden, i.e., 
obliged, answering to that teneri etfirmiter obligari : which conceipt 
would seeme the more probable, if to beholde did signifie to holde, as 
to bedek to dek, to besprinkle to sprinkle. But indeed, neither is 
beholden English, neither are behold and hold any more all one, than 
become and come, or beseem and seem.''^ 

37. If I make my play. " If I may choose my game " (Ritson) ; 
or, perhaps, if I win in the game. 

40. Chambers discharged. See p. 13 above. 

80. Unhappily. Unfavourably; as often. .Cf. >^a//zVi'/in prol. 24. 

84. The Viscount Rochford. He was not made viscount until after 
the king had fallen in love with Anne. Cavendish says : " This 
gentlewoman was the daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen, Knight, being 
at that time but only a bachelor knight, the which afterwards, for 



202 Notes [Act II 

the love of his daughter, was promoted to high dignities. He bare 
at diverse several times, for the most part, all the great rooms of the 
king's household, as comptroller, and treasurer, and the like. Then 
was he made Viscount Rochford ; and at the last created Earl of 
Wiltshire, and knight of the noble order of the Garter, and, for his 
more increase of honour and gains, was made lord keeper of the 
privy seal, and one of the chiefest of the king's council." 

86. I were unmannerly, etc. A kiss was the established reward 
of the lady's partner, which she could not deny, or he, without an 
open slight, refuse to take. Cf. Temp. i. 2. 378 : " Curtsied when 
you have and kiss'd." 

97. Measure. A formal dance, " full of state and ancientry " 
(^Much Ado, ii. i. 80). 

99. Knock it. A phrase " derived from beating time, or perhaps 
beating the drum" (Verplanck). For the indefinite it, cf. queen it, 
ii- 3* 37 below. Mr. Adee says : "The best passage I know to illus- 
trate this use of it is in The Four Elements (Hazlitt's Dodsley, i. 47) : 

" And I can dance it gingerly, 
And I can foot it by and by, 
And I can prank it properly. 
And I can countenance comely, 
And I can croak it courtesly, 
And I can leap it lustily. 
And I can turn it trimly, 
And I can frisk it freshly, 
And I can look it lordly." 



ACT II 



Scene I. — The main points in the account of Buckingham's trial 
and his subsequent demeanour are taken from Hall. The duke 
admitted that he had listened to the prophecies of the Carthusian 
monk, but he eloquently and with " many sharp reasons " defended 



Scene I] Notes 203 

himself against the charge of treason. He was, however, convicted 
in the court of the lord high steward, by a jury of twenty-one peers, 
consisting of a duke, a marquis, seven earls, and 12 barons. The 
Duke of Norfolk, lord high steward on the occasion, shed tears as 
he pronounced the sentence ; after which Buckingham, according 
to Hall, addressed the court as follows: " My lord of Norfolk, you 
have said as a traitor should be said unto, but I was never none. 
But, my lords, I nothing malign for that you have done to me ; but 
the eternal God forgive you my death, and I do. I shall never sue 
to the king for life, howbeit he is a gracious prince, and more grace 
may come from him than I desire. I desire you, my lords, and all 
my fellows, to pray for me." The historian continues as follows : — 

" Then was the edge of the axe turned towards him, and so led 
into a barge. Sir Thomas Lovell desired him to sit on the cushions 
and carpet ordained for him. He said, ' Nay ; for when I went to 
Westminster I was Duke of Buckingham ; now I am but Edward 
Bohun, the most caitiff of the world.' Thus they landed at the 
Temple, where received him Sir Nicholas Vawse and Sir William 
Sandes, Baronets, and led him through the city, who desired ever 
the people to pray for him ; of whom some wept and lamented, and 
said, ' This is the end of evil life ; God forgive him ! he was a proud 
prince ! it is pity that he behaved him so against his king and liege 
lord, whom God preserve.' Thus about iiii of the clock he was 
brought as a cast man to the Tower." 

2. Eve7i to the hall. That is, to Westminster Hall. 

II. In a little. Briefly; the only instance of the phrase in S. 
In little (=in small compass) occurs several times; as in T. N. 
iii. 4. 95, etc. 

28. Learnedly. Like one " learned in the law," not merely "like 
a practised orator" (Wright). 

29. Was either pitied, etc. " Either produced no effect, or pro- 
duced only ineffectual pity" (Malone). 

33. He sweat extremely. Hall says: "The duke was brought to 
the bar sore chafing, and sweat marvellously." 



204 Notes [Act II 

41. Kildare's attainder. Hall says that in 1520 " the king, being 
informed that his realm of Ireland was out of order, discharged the 
Earl of Kildare of his office of deputy, and thereunto (by the means 
of the cardinal, as men thought) was appointed the Earl of Surrey, 
to whom the cardinal did not owe the best favour." Cf. iii. 2. 260 
fol. below. 

44. His father. That is, his father-in-law. Surrey's second wife 
was a daughter of Buckingham. 

47. Whoever. For zvhomsoever. Cf. the frequent use of who 
for whom. 

48. Find employment. That is, find employment _/i?r/ a common 
ellipsis where the preposition can be readily supplied. 

50. Perniciously. Maliciously ; used by S. only here. 

54. Enter . . . Sir PVilliam Sands. The folio has *' Sir Walter 
Sands^'' which is either a misprint or a slip of the pen. 

57. Go home ajtd lose me. That is, count me as lost to you. 

67. Nor build their evils, etc. Steevens says : " Evils, in this 
place, 2iXt. foricce [privies]. So in M.for M. ii. 2. 172: — 

" ' having waste ground enough, 
Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary, 
And pitch our evils there ? ' " 

Henley remarks: "The desecration of edifices devoted to religion, 
by converting them to the most abject purposes of nature, was an 
Eastern method of expressing contempt. See 2 Kings, x. 27." 

74. Is only bitter to him, etc. Wright puts a comma after him, 
and explains thus : " The only thing that is bitter to him, the only 
thing that can be called death; " but I think it means simply " bitter 
when dying." 

77, Prayers. Here a dissyllable. 

82. Free. Here used adverbially, as adjectives often are in S. 

85. No black envy, etc. The folio reads : " No blacke Enuy shall 
make my Graue." This is undoubtedly corrupt, for, as White re- 
marks, " although envy may, in a fine sense, be said to make a grave, 
it clearly cannot be the envy or the malice of the person for whom 



Scene I] Notes 205 

the grave is made." Envy often means hatred, or maHce. Take 
peace with — make peace with, forgive. 

89. T^zV/ my soul forsake. The foUo reading. Rowe added 
"me," which some approve. Knight remarl^s : "It is not difficult 
to see that S. had a different metaphysical notion from that of his 
editors ; the me places the individuality in the body alone." Schmidt 
puts the passage ulider forsake ^^ XQ.i\x%Q., adding "(German, ver- 
sagen) ; " but the meaning is simply " till I die." It is in Fletcher's 
part of the play. S. never uses forsake intransitively. 

96. Sir Nicholas Vaux. Nicholas lord Vaux was son of Sir 
William Vaux, who fell at Tewkesbury, fighting on the side of 
Henry VI. The ballad, " The Aged Lover Renounceth Love," 
from which the verses sung by the grave-digger in Hamlet (v. l) 
are a corrupt quotation, has usually been ascribed to Sir Nicholas, 
but is now known to have been written by his son, Thomas Vaux. 

97. Undertakes. Takes charge of. 

103. Poor Edward Bohiin. Buckingham's family name was 
Bagot ; but one of his ancestors had married the heiress of the 
barony of Stafford, and their son assumed the name of Stafford, 
which was retained by his posterity. Buckingham, however, affected 
the surname Bohun, because he was descended from the Bohuns, 
Earls of Hereford, and held the office of lord high constable by 
inheritance of tenure from them. 

105. / now seal it. That is, seal my truth, or loyalty, with blood. 

127. Be not loose. Be not incautious of speech, or " unreticent." 
Cf. 0th. iii. 3. 416 : — 

"There are a kind of men so loose of soul 
That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs," 

129. Rub. Obstacle ; a term in bowling. Cf. K. John, iii. 4. 
128 : "each dust, each straw, each little rub; " Cor. iii. i. 60 : 
"this so dishonour'd rub laid falsely I' the plain way of his merit." 

133. My long weary life. As Wright notes, Buckingham (born 
February 3, 1478) was only forty- three years old. 

144. Strong faith. Great fidelity. 



2o6 Notes [Act II 

145. / am confident ; You shall, sir. I have confidence in 
you; you shall have the secret. 

146. Did you not of late days hear. We should say, Have you 
not lately heard, etc. 

147. A buzzing. A whispering. Cf. T. A. iv. 4. 7 : "buzz in 
the people's ears," etc. Separation is metrically five syllables. 

148. // held not. It did not hold good, did not prove true. 
151. Allay those tongues. We should not now use allay in this 

connection; nor intransitively (= subside), as in Lear, i. 2. 179 : 
"with the mischief of your person it would scarcely allay." 

154. And held for certain. And zV w held, etc. Cf. i. 3. 44 above. 

163. The archbishopric of Toledo. The richest see in Europe, 
regarded as a stepping-stone to the papacy. 

167. Too open here. Too much exposed, in too public a place. 
Cf. opeti in iii. 3. 402 below. 

Scene II. — 11. Enter Suffolk. This Duke of Suffolk was 
Charles Brandon, son of Sir William Brandon, who was Henry 
VII.'s standard-bearer at Bosworth Field, where he fell. The duke 
married Henry VIII. 's younger sister, the Queen Dowager of 
France, whose favoured lover he had been before her marriage to 
Louis XII. of France. 

16-20. Suffolk's speech is spoken aside, and Norfolk's answer is 
to the chamberlain. 

21. Turns what he list. Turns the wheel of fortune as he 
pleases. List is subjunctive ; as in 0th. ii. 3. 351 : "do what she 
list," etc. 

25. Great nephew. Not "great-nephew," as Dyce prints it. 

38. These news are. S. uses news both as singular and plural. 
We find " these good news" and " this happy news " in two succes- 
sive speeches of 2 Hen. LV. (iv. 4. 102, 109). 

42. Have slept upon, etc. That is, have been blind to his faults. 

49. Lnto what pitch he please. Of what stature, or height, he 
please. Cf. i Hen, VL. ii. 3. 55 : — 



Scene II] Notes 207 

" I tell you, madam, were the whole frame here. 
It is of such a spacious lofty pitch, 
Your roof were not sufficient to contain 't." 

53. I not believe in. See on i. I. 88 above. 

61. Norfolk drazvs a curtain. The stage-direction in the folio 
is, ^^ the King drawes the Curiaine and sits reading petisiuely." 
Malone (followed in most eds.) has " JVorfolk opens a folding- 
door;'''' but, as Mr. Adee suggests, tapestry hangings, like our 
Ti\odi.Q.xxi portieres, were often used instead of doors in those days. 

69. Business of estate. S. uses state and estate interchangeably 
in their various senses. Cf. v. i. 74 below. 

72. Enter Wolsey and Canipeius. Lorenzo Campeggio (in its 
Latin form, Campeius') was a native of Bologna, and a man of 
great learning. He had been sent to England once before as 
legate, and was at that time made Bishop of Salisbury. 

77. Have great care I be not found a talker. " Let care be 
taken that my promise be performed, that my professions of wel- 
come be not found empty talk" (Johnson). Steevens compares 

Rich. III. i. 3. 351 : — 

" we will not stand to prate ; 
Talkers are no good doers." 

82. So sick though, etc. So sick with pride, even to have his 
place. 

84. / 7/ vejtture one have-at-hini. I '11 venture one thrust at 
him. The folio reads : "lie venture one ; haue at him." Below 
(iii. 2. 307) Surrey says to Wolsey, " Have at you ; " and (v. 3. 
113) Cromwell to the council, "Now have at ye." 

88. Envy. Malice. See on ii. i. 85 above. 

89. The Spaniard. That is, the Spanish court ; hence the 
subsequent they. 

91. The clerks. The clergy. 

93. Gave their free voices. The folio has " Haue their free 
voyces" (with a period after it), and this is retained by the editors 
generally. It can be explained only by assuming that " by a great 



2o8 Notes [Act II 

freedom of construction the verb sent applies to this first member 
of the sentence, as well as to the second" (Knight). "Proleptic 
omissions" do occur in S., but in this case I prefer to adopt 
White's emendation of Gave. As he remarks, '*that only the 
learned clerks should have their free voices is plainly absurd ; 
although those who have not adopted Malone's violent miscon- 
struction have been obliged to accept the absurdity. But we know 
that nearly all the learned clerks in Christian kingdoms ^az'^ 'their 
free voices' for Henry's divorce (the decisions of eight continental 
faculties of law and divinity to that effect are given in Hall's 
Chronicle) ; and therefore Wolsey may well say, ' Who can be 
angry now ? ' " 

95. One general tongue. " Campeius is sent to speak in the 
name of the whole conclave of cardinals" (Adee). 
100. Suck a man, etc. See on i. 4. 30 above. 

106. Unpartial. Elsewhere (in five instances) S. has impartial, 

107. Two equal men. Two impartial men ; referring to what 
has just been said. 

III. A woman of less place. That is, of lower rank. 

115. Gardiner. Holinshed says: "The king received into 
favour Dr. Stephen Gardiner, whom he employed in services of 
great secrecy and weight, admitting him in the room of Doctor 
Pace, the which being continually abroad in ambassages (and the 
same oftentimes not much necessary) of the cardinal's appointment, 
at length took such grief therewith, that he fell out of his right 
wits." On his return, in 1527, from a mission to Rome respecting 
the divorce, Gardiner became secretary to the king, and in 1531 he 
was made Bishop of Winchester. 

128. Kept him a foreigit tnan still. Kept him constantly em- 
ployed in foreign embassies. This meaning of still is very common 
in S. Cf. iii. 2. 443 below. 

131. There ''s places. A singular verb is often found before a 
plural subject, particularly in the case of There is. 

132. That good fellow. That is, Gardiner. 



Scene III] Notes 209 

138. For such receipt of learning. For receipt of such learn- 
ing ; for the reception of such learned men. 

141. Able. Perhaps, as Mr. Adee suggests, "not under a dis- 
ability," or "free." Cf. Lear, iv. 6. 172, where the verb able 
means " to remove legal disability." 

Scene III. — 7. The which To leave a thousand-fold, etc. Theo- 
bald read "to leave is," and Dyce has " leave 's ;" but the ellipsis 
is a common one. 

10. Give her the avaunt. Bid her begone — a contemptuous 
dismissal. 

It is a pity, etc. A hardship that would move even a monster 
to pity. 

14. That quarrel. Fortune. According to Warburton, quarrel 
here means arrow ; but, if it be what S. wrote, it is probably ■= 
quarreler, as Johnson explained it. The use of the abstract for 
the concrete is not rare in S., but many emendations have been 
proposed. Qtmrrel (narrow) is used by Spenser, 7^ Q. ii. 11. 
24 : " But to the ground the idle quarrel fell." 

15. Sufferance. Suffering, pain; as in v. I. 68 below. Cf. A. 
and C. iv. 13. 5 : — 

" The soul and body rive not more at parting, 
Than greatness going off," 

Panging = causing pangs. The verb occurs again in Cynib. iii. 4. 
98. 

17. A stranger now again. Again an alien; reduced to the 
condition of a friendless stranger. Cf. Lear, i. I. 207: " Dower' d 
with our curse, and stranger'd with our oath." 

20. Range with humble livers. Rank with those in lowly life. 

21. Perk' d up. Used by S. only here. I have heard the phrase 
in New England in just this sense of " pranked out." For glister- 
ing, cf. M. of V. ii. 7. 65, W. T. iii. 2. 171, iv. i. 14, etc. S. 
does not use glisten. 

23. Having. Possession. Cf. 7^. iV. iii. 4. 379 : "my having 
HENRY VIII — 14 



2IO Notes [Act II 

is not much." See also iii. 2. 159 below. Maidenhead r^ maiden- 
hood. Cf. Godhead, etc. The suffixes -hood and -head are etymo- 
logically the same. 

24. Beshrew me. Originally a mild imprecation, but often used, 
as here, to emphasize an assertion. 

30. To say sooth. To tell the truth. 

31. Mincing. Affectation. 

32. Cheveril. Kid-skin. Cf. R. and J. iii. 4. 87 : " O, here 's 
a wit of cheveril, that stretches from an inch narrow to an ell 
broad." In T. N. iii. i. 13 we find mention of " a cheveril glove." 

36. A threepeiice botv'd. An allusion to the old custom of rati- 
fying an agreement by a bent coin ; but there were no threepences 
so early as the reign of Henry VIII. Hire is here a dissyllable. 

37. To queen it. See on i. 4. 99 above. 

40. Pluck off a little. Take off a little from the rank ; that is, 
come down from a duke to a count. 

45. An emballing. A coronation; referring to the ball placed 
in the left hand of the queen as one of the insignia of royalty. Cf. 
Hen. V. iv. I. 177: "The balm, the sceptre, and the ball," etc. 

46. For Carnarvonshire. That is, for a single Welsh county. 
For longed, see on i. 2. 32 above. 

48. What were V zvorth, etc. " A penny for your thoughts ! " 

50. Values not. See on ii. 2. 53 above. 

57. High note''s Ta^en. High note (or notice) is taken. 

65. More than my all is nothing. " Not only my all is nothing, 
but if my all were more than it is, it were still nothing" (Johnson). 

68. Beseech your lordship. The subject / is often omitted in 
this and similar expressions. 

72. Fair conceit. Good opinion. 

76. A gem, etc. " Perhaps alluding to the carbuncle, a gem 
supposed to have intrinsic light, and to shine in the dark" (Johnson), 

82. Cojne pat betwixt, ttc. Hit the right moment between too 
early, etc. 

85. This compeWd fortune. This fortune thrust upon one. 



Scene IV] Notes 211 

Cof?ipelPd\?, accented on the first syllable, as dissyllabic adjectives 
and participles often are when preceding a noun. See on com' 
plete, i. 2. ii8 above. 

87. Forty pence. This sum, being half a noble (or one sixth of a 
pound), was a common one for a wager. 

90. The ?nud in Egypt. The land fertilized by the overflow of 
the Nile. 

95. Mae. More. Cf. iii. 2. 5 below. It is used only with a 
plural or collective noun. 

100. On V. On is often used for of in EUzabethan English. 

loi. If this salute my blood a jot. That is, 77iove or exhilarate it. 
Cf. Sonn. 121. 6: "Give salutation to my sportive blood." White 
quotes Daniel's Civil Wars, bk. ii. : — 

" He that in glorie of his Fortune sate, 
Admiring what he thought could never be, 
Did feele his bloud within salute his state," etc. 

It faints me = it makes my heart faint. 

104. Do not deliver. See on i. 2. 143 above. 

Scene IV. — This long stage-direction is from the folio, and con- 
forms to the description of the trial in Holinshed and Cavendish. 

Sennet. This word (also written sennit, senet, synnet, cynet, sig- 
net, and sigftate) occurs often in the stage-directions of old plays, 
and, as Nares remarks, " seems to indicate a particular set of notes 
on the trumpet, or cornet, different from a flourish." In Dekker's 
Satiromastix (1602) we find, "Trumpets sound a flourish, and then 
a sennet." 

Pillars belonged to the insignia of cardinals. In the Life of Sir 
Thomas More we find mentioti of " his maces and pillars " in con- 
nection with Wolsey. See on iii. 2. 380, 409, below. The silver 
crosses, according to Holinshed, were emblems, " the one of his 
archbishopric and the other of his legacy, borne before him whither- 
soever he went or rode, by two of the tallest priests that he could 
get within the realm." Steevens quotes a satire on Wolsey, by 



212 Notes [Act II 

William Roy, published at some time between the execution of 
Buckingham and the repudiation of Katherine : — 

" With worldly pompe incredible, 
Before him rydeth two prestes stronge; 
And they bear two crosses right longe, 

Gapynge in every man's face : 
After them followe two laye men secular, 
And each of theym holdyn a pillar, 

In their hondes steade of a mace." 

I. Commission. A quadrisyllable. 

II. The queen . . . goes about the court. Cavendish says : "Then 
he called also the queen, by the name of ' Katherine queen of Eng- 
land, come into the court ; ' who made no answer to the same, but 
rose up incontinent out of her chair, where as she sat ; and because 
she could not come directly to the king for the distance which sev- 
ered them, she took pain to go about unto the king, kneeling down 
at his feet," etc. 

13. And to bestow. The to is often omitted in the former of two 
clauses and inserted in the latter, as here. Cf. Hen. V. ii. 4. 104, 
Ham. i. 4. 18, etc. 

This speech of the queen follows Cavendish closely, as a brief 
extract from his account of the trial will show : " Sir," quoth she, 
" I beseech you for all the loves that hath been between us, and 
for the love of God, let me have justice and right ; take of me 
some pity and compassion, for I am a poor woman and a stranger 
born out of your dominion ; I have here no assured friend, and 
much less indifferent counsel ; I flee to you as to the head of jus- 
tice within this realm. Alas ! sir, wherein have I offended you, or 
what occasion of displeasure have I designed against your will and 
pleasure ; intending, as I perceive, to put me from you? I take 
God and all the world to witness that I have been to you a true, 
humble, and obedient wife, ever conformable to your will and 
pleasure, that never said or did anything to the contrary thereof, 
being always well pleased and contented with all things wherein 



Scene IV] Notes . 213 

you had any delight or dalliance, whether it were in little or much ; 
I never grudged in v/ord or countenance, or showed a visage or 
spark of discontentation. I loved all those whom ye loved only 
for your sake, whether I had cause or no, and. whether they were 
my friends or my enemies." 

18. Indiffe7-ent. Impartial. Cf. Rich. II. \\. ■^. 1 16: "Look at 
my wrongs with an indifferent eye." See also the quotations from 
Cavendish in the preceding note and on 1 21 below. 

31. Have I not strove. The only instance of the participle in S. 

33. Had to him deriv''d your anger. Had brought upon himself 
your anger. Cf. A. W.y. 3. 265: "Things which would derive 
me ill will," etc. 

34. Nay, gave notice. Nay, / gave notice. Some editors read 
" gave not notice." The folio has an interrogation mark after dis- 
charg'd, and Wright follows it. 

42. Against your sacred person. That is, aught against it. 

43. FouVst. A harsh contraction ; like sharfst just below. The 
metre does not require it, bvil it seems to have been a bad fashion 
of the time. Many instanc-s of it occur in S. 

46. Reptited for. Repi-ted as being. Cf. T. G. of V.\. i. 42: 
"should not be chronicled for wise," etc. 

49. One The wisest. Cf. 155 below. 

59. Aiid of your choice. Holinshed says that Katherine " elected 
to be of her counsel " the Archbishop of Canterbury, the bishops of 
Ely, Rochester, and St. Asaph, and others. 

63. 7hat longer you desire the court. That you desire the court 
to delay proceedings. 

72. We are a queen. "The change from the singular to the 
royal plural in this assertion of Katherine's queenship seems to me 
one of the happiest touches in the play" (Adee). 

78. Make 7ny challenge. A law term ; as now in challenging a 
juryman. 

82. / utterly abhor, etc. Blackstone remarks that abhor and 
refuse are technical terms of the canon law, corresponding to the 



214 Notes [Act II 

Latin detestor and recuso. Holinshed says that the queen " openly 
protested that she did utterly abhor, refuse, and forsake such a 
judge." 

87. Have stood to charity. Cf. Ham. iv. 5. 133: "To this point 
I stand." 

90. Spleen. Malice. See on i. 2. 174 above. 

93. The consistory. The college of cardinals. 

103. 77/1? zvhich . . . speak in. That is, in reference to. 

109. You sign your place, etc. "By your outward meekness 
and humility, you show that you are of an holy order, but," etc. 
(Johnson). 

1 14. Where powers are your retainers, etc. " What an image 
is presented of an unscrupulous but most able man, to say that his 
powers are used as the mere agents of his pleasures, and his words, 
without regard to the general obligation of truth, are ' domestics ' 
who serve but his will " (Knight) ; but powers may mean " persons 
of rank and influence," as Wright explains it. 

117. You tender more. You value -^r regard more. 

121. Fore. Usually printed " 'forev" but it is not a contraction 
of before. 

She curtsies to the King, and offers tb depart. Cavendish says : 
" And with that she rose up, making a low curtsy to the king, and 
so departed from thence. Many supposed that she would have re- 
sorted again to her former place, but she took her way straight out 
of the house, leaning, as she was wont to do, upon the arm of her 
general receiver, called Master Griffith. And the king, being adver- 
tised of her departure, commanded the crier to call her again, who 
called her by the name of ' Katherine queen of England, come into 
the court.' With that quoth Master Griffith, ' Madam, ye be called 
again.' ' On, on,' quoth she, ' it maketh no matter, for it is no 
indifferent court for me, therefore I will not tarry. Go on your 
ways.' And thus she departed out of that court, without any far- 
ther answer at that time, or at any other, nor would never appear 
at any other court after." 



Scene IV] Notes 215 

140. Government. Self-control. Cf. 6^//^. iii. 3. 286 : "Fear not 
my government," etc. Misgovermnent and misgoverned are simi- 
larly used by S. 

150. Fully satisfied. Fully indemnified for the injury done him. 

155, Spake. Elsewhere S. has spoke or spoken for the participle. 
This is probably an " anacoluthon," as Schmidt regards it. 

157. Touch. The word in S. often carries with it the idea of 
injury. 

167. The passages made tozvard it. The approaches made to 
it. Steevens explained made as " closed ox. fastened^\ putting a colon 
after hindered. 

168. Speak. Vouch for, or testify in his behalf. Cf. iii. i. 125. 
172. My conscience first received, t.\.Q.. Cavendish makes the king 

say, " It was a certain scrupulosity that pricked my conscience upon 
divers words that were spoken at a certain time by the Bishop of 
Bayonne," etc. It was, in fact, the Bishop of Tarbes. See Froude, 
History of England, vol. i. p. 114 (American ed.). 

176. The Duke of Orleans. Son and successor (as Henry II.) 
of Francis I. 

177. /' the progress of this business, etc. "And upon the reso- 
lution and determination thereof, he desired respite to advertise 
the king his master thereof, whether our daughter Mary should be 
legitimate in respect of the marriage which was sometime between 
the queen here and my brother the late Prince Arthur. These 
words were so conceived within my scrupulous conscience, that it 
bred a doubt within my breast, which doubt pricked, vexed, and 
troubled so my mind, and so disquieted me, that I was in great 
doubt of God's indignation" (Cavendish). 

180. Advertise. Accent on the penult, as regularly in S. 

183. Sometimes. P'ormerly ; as often, 

184. The bosom of my conscience, etc. According to Holinshed, 
the king said, " Which words, once conceived within the secret 
bottom of my conscience," etc. Theobald therefore altered bosom 
to " bottom," which some other editors also adopt. 



2i6 Notes [Act II 

186. Which. " Referring loosely to the whole process just de- 
scribed" (Wright). 

187. Maz'd. Bewildered. For consider ings, cf. iii. 2. 135 
below. 

193. J^ail. For the noun, cf. i. 2. 145 above. 

194. Thus hulling, etc. Cavendish's words are, "Thus being 
troubled in waves of a scrupulous conscience ; " and Holinshed's, 
"Thus my conscience being tossed in the waves of a scrupulous 
mind." To hull, as explained by Steevens, is to drift about dis- 
masted ; but according to Richardson (^Dict.^, "a ship is said to 
hull when all her sails are taken down, and she floats to and fro." 
This is obviously the meaning in Rich. III. iv. 4. 438 : — 

" And there they hull, expecting but the aid 
Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore." 

Cf Milton, P. L. xi. 840 : " He look'd, and saw the ark hull on the 
flood." 

199. And yet not well. That is, and not yet well. Such trans- 
position oi yet is common. 

201. First, I began in private, etc. "I moved it in confession 
to you, my lord of Lincoln, then my ghostly father. And foras- 
much as then you yourself were in some doubt, you moved me to 
ask the counsel of all these my lords. Whereupon I moved you, 
my lord of Canterbury, first to have your licence, inasmuch as you 
were metropolitan, to put this matter in question ; and so I did of 
all of you, my lords" (Holinshed). 

203. Reek. " Cf. L. L. L. iv. 3. 140 : ' Saw sighs reek from you ;* 
A. Y. L. ii. 7. 148 : ' Sighing like furnace.' This image of visible 
sighs, coming forth like a fume or vapour, is peculiarly Shake- 
spearian " (Adee). 

208. A state of mighty moment. A situation of extreme im- 
portance. 

209. That I committed, etc. " That I committed to doubt, re- 



Scene I] NoteS 217 

pressed under hesitation, the most forward opinion of my own 
mind." 

220. Drives. The folio reading, altered to " drive " by the 
editors generally ; but such instances of the singular (Abbott calls 
it "the third person plural in-j") are frequent in S. and other 
writers of the time. Kellner {Historical Outlines of English 
Syntax) says that " not only the endings -es and -eth, but also is 
and was, were used both in the singular and in the plural." 

224. Primest. " Very first," as we say ; the only instance of the 
superlative in S., but we have the comparative in i. 2. 67 above. 

225. Faragoii'd. Extolled as a paragon. 

234. Prithee, return. Cranmer was at this time abroad on an 
embassy connected with this business of the divorce. See iii. 2. 64 
and 399 below. Some of the earlier editors, not understanding 
this, added here the marginal direction, " [ The King speaks to 
Cranmer^'' 

236. Set on. We use this phrase only in the sense of incite, or 
instigate (as in 7'. A^. v. i. 189 : "I was set on to do 't ") ; but in S. 
it also means to proceed, lead the way, set out, etc. Cf. /. C. i. 
2. II : "Set on; and leave no ceremony out; " M.for M. iii. I. 
61: "To-morrow you set on;" I Hen. IV. v. 2. 97: "Now — 
Esperance ! Percy ! — and set on," etc. 



ACT III 



Scene I. — The visit of Wolsey and Campeius to Katherine is 
thus described by Cavendish (as quoted by Knight) : — 

" And then my lord rose up and made him ready, taking his 
barge, and went straight to Bath Place to the other cardinal, and 
so went together unto Bridewell, directly to the queen's lodging ; 
and they, being in her chamber of presence, showed to the gentle- 
man usher that they came to speak with the queen's grace. The 
gentleman usher advertised the queen thereof incontinent. With 



21 8 Notes [Act III 

that she came out of her privy chamber with a skein of white thread 
about her neck, into the chamber of presence, where the cardinals 
were giving of attendance upon her coming. At whose coming 
quoth she, ' Alack, my lords, I am very sorry to cause you to attend 
upon me; what is your pleasure with me?' 'If it please you,' 
quoth my lord cardinal, 'to go into your privy chamber, we will 
show you the cause of our coming.' ' My lord,' quoth she, ' if you 
have anything to say, speak it openly before all these folks, for I 
fear nothing that ye can say or allege against me, but that I would 
all the world should both hear and see it ; therefore I pray you 
speak your minds openly.' Then began my lord to speak to her in 
Latin. ' Nay, good my lord,' quoth she, ' speak to me in English, 
I beseech you ; although I understand Latin.' ' Forsooth then,' 
quoth my lord, ' Madam, if it please your grace, we came both to 
know your mind, how ye be disposed to do in this matter between 
the king and you, and also to declare secretly our opinions and our 
counsel unto you, which we have intended of very zeal and obedi- 
ence that we bear to your grace.' ' My lords, I thank you then,' 
quoth she, * of your good wills ; but to make answer to your re- 
quest I cannot so suddenly, for I was set among my maidens at 
work, thinking full little of any such matter, wherein there needeth 
a large deliberation, and a better head than mine, to make answer 
to so noble wise men as ye be ; I had need of good counsel in this 
case, which toucheth me so near ; and for any counsel or friend- 
ship that I can find in England, they are nothing to my purpose or 
profit. Think you, I pray you, my lords, will any Englishman 
counsel or be friendly unto me against the king's pleasure, they 
being his subjects ? Nay, forsooth, my lords ! and for my counsel 
in whom I do intend to put my trust be not here ; they be in 
Spain, in my native country. Alas, my lords ! I am a poor woman 
lacking both wit and understanding sufficiently to answer such 
approved wise men as ye be both, in so weighty a matter. I pray 
you to extend your good and indifferent minds in your authority 
unto me, for I am a simple woman, destitute and barren of friend- 



Scene I] Notes 219 

ship and counsel here in a foreign region ; and as for your counsel, 
I will not refuse, but be glad to hear.' 

" And with that she took my lord by the hand, and led him into 
her privy chamber, with the other cardinal, where they were in 
long communication : we, in the other chamber, might sometime 
hear the queen speak very loud, but what it was we could not 
understand. The communication ended, the cardinals departed, 
and went directly to the king, making to him relation of their 
talk with the queen, and after resorted home to their houses to 
supper." 

I. Wench. Young woman; not contemptuous. CL Temp. i. 
2. 139 (Prospero to Miranda), etc. 

3. Orpheus. Cf. Af. of V. v. i. 80 and T. G. of V. iii. 2. 78. 

7. As. As if. See on i. i. 10 above. 

10. Sea. Pronounced say ; as ea was in many words where it 
now has the sound of long e. This continued to the time of Pope, 
who rhymes tea with obey in a familiar passage, etc. 

II. Lay by. Equivalent to lay dojun. 

13. Killing care. That kilhng care, etc. The ellipsis some- 
times occurs after such, as after so. 

17. The presence. The presence-chamber; as in Rich. II, i. 3. 
289. 

22. They should be good men, etc. " Being churchmen they 
should be virtuous, and every business they undertake as righteous 
as their sacred office, but all hoods," etc. (Malone). Cucullus tion 
facit monachttm is an old Latin proverb. Cf. M. for M. v. i. 263 
and T. vV. i. 5. 62. 

24. Part of a hotisezvife, etc. To some extent a housewife ; I 
would fain be wholly one, that I may be prepared for the worst 
that may happen. According to Cavendish (see p. 218), she came 
into the room with a skein of white thread about her neck, 

36. Envy and base opinion set against '' em. Malice and calumny 
pitted against them. See on ii. I. 85 above. 

37. So even. So consistent. Cf. 166 below. 



220 Notes [Act III 

If your business, etc. If your business is with me, and concern- 
ing my conduct as a wife. Mason read "wise" for wife, explaining 
the passage thus : " If your business relates to me, or to anything 
of which I have any knowledge." Dyce adopts this emendation, 
which White also regards with favour ; but it seems to me quite as 
awkward as the original reading. 

40. Tanta est, etc. " So great is our integrity of purpose towards 
thee, most serene princess." The Latin is not in Holinshed or 
Cavendish. 

45. More strange, suspicious. Dyce reads " more strange-suspi- 
cious," but, as Wright suggests, the expression may " indicate a 
climax " and be = " more strange, even suspicious." 

52. And service to his majesty and you. Edwards suggested that 
this line and the next had been accidentally transposed ; but, as 
White remarks, " integrity cannot alone breed suspicion ; it must 
be joined with misunderstood service to produce such an effect." 

64. Your late censure. See ii. 4. 106 fol. 

65. Which was too far, Cf. i. I. 38 above. 

72. My weak wit. My weak judgment, or understanding. Cf. 
177 below, and/. C. iii. 2. 225 : "For I have neither wit, nor 
words, nor worth." The word is also used by S. in its modern 
sense ; as in Much Ado, i. I. 63 : " they never meet but there is a 
skirmish of wit between them," etc. 

74. Was set. Cf. L. C. 39 : " Upon whose weeping margent she 
was set." 

77. For her sake, etc. For the sake of the royalty that has been 
mine. 

86. Though he be grown so desperate, etc. Though he be so rash 
as to express an honest opinion. Johnson paraphrases the passage 
thus: "Do you think that any Englishman dare advise me ; or, if 
any man should venture to advise with honesty, that he could 
live?" 

88. Weigh out. I think this means to estimate fairly, to con- 
sider impartially. Johnson hesitated between " dehberate upon, 



Scene I] Notes 221 

consider with due attention," and "counterbalance, counteract 
with equal force." Afflictions is a quadrisyllable ; like distraction 
in 112 below. 

94. Much Both for- your honour better. Much better, etc. 

97. You 7/ part azvay. On part = depart, cf. M. of V. ii. 7. 
77 : "Thus losers part," etc. 

102. The more sha77ie for ye ! " If I mistake you, it is by your 
fault, not mine ; for I thought you good" (Johnson). 

117. Churchmen'' s habits. Priestly vestments ; " glistering sem- 
blances of piety" (^Hen. V. ii. 2. 117). 

125. Speak myself That is, of myself. Cf. iv. 2. 32 below. 

131. Superstitious to him. "That is, served him with supersti- 
tious attention ; done more than was required" (Johnson). 

134. A constant zvoman to her husband. A woman faithful to 
her husband. Cf. Rich. II. iii. 2. 8 : "As a long-parted mother 
with her child," etc. Such transpositions of " adjectival phrases " 
are common in S. 

145. Ye have ajtgels^ faces, etc. Perhaps "an allusion to the 
saying attributed to St. Augustine, Non Angli sed Angeli " (Dyce).i 
Cf. Greene's Spanish Masquerado : " England, a little island, 
where, as Saint Augustine saith, there be people with angel faces, 
so the inhabitants have the courage and hearts of lions." 

151. like the lily, etc. Cf. Spenser, F. Q. ii. 6. 16 : "The lilly, 
Lady of the flowring field." 

164. Gro7i> as terrible as storms. Lord Essex was charged with 
saying, in a letter written in 1598 to the lord keeper, "There is no 
tempest to [compared with] the passionate indignation of a prince " 
(Malone). 

176. If I have US' d myself etc. If I have deported myself, etc. 

1 According to Beda, the paternity of this pun belongs to Pope 
Gregory the Great, who, on seeing some Saxon youths offered for sale 
in the slave-market at Rome, asked from what country they came; and 
being told that they were Atigles {Angli), replied that they ought rather 
to be called angels {angeli) . 



22 2 Notes [Act III 

Scene II. — 2. Force them. Enforce or urge them. Cf. Cor. 
iii. 2. 51 : *' Why force you this ? " etc. 

3. If you omit The offer, etc. If you neglect the opportunity. 
Cf. Te??ip. ii. I. 194 : "Do not omit the heavy offer of it," etc. 

5. Moe. See on ii. 3. 95 above. 

8. The duke. Buckingham. Cf. ii. 1.44 above and 256 below. 

10. Have uncojztemn'd, etc. " Have not gone by him con- 
temned or neglected " (Johnson). As Mason remarks, the negative 
in uncojitemn'' d is extended to neglected. 

16. Gives way to us. Leaves a way open to us. Cf. /. C. ii. 3. 8 : 
" Security gives way to conspiracy." 

22. He 's settled, etc. He is fixed in the king's displeasure, never 
to get out of it. 

30. The cardiiiaP s letter. The folio has " The Cardinal's Let- 
ters ; " but belov/ we find " this Letter of the Cardinals " and "the 
Letter (as I liue) with all the Businesse I wrote too 's Holinesse." 

37. Will this work ? Will this influence the king against him ? 

38. How he coasts And hedges, etc. Creeps along by coast and 
hedge. As Mason remarks, ^^ hedging is by land what coasting vi, by 
sea." 

44. N'ow all my joy, etc. That is, all the joy that I can wish, 
etc. Cf. Beaumont and Fletcher, Coxcomb, iv. 4 : " Now all my 
blessing on thee ! " Trace = follow ; as in Macb, iv. I. 153 : " all 
unfortunate souls That trace him in his line." 

45. All men's! All men's amen; with perhaps a play upon 
amen. 

47. But young, etc. But recent, and not to be told to everybody. 

49. Complete. Cf. the accent with that in i. 2. 118 above — the 
only other instance of the word in this play. 

50. I perstiade me, etc. I persuade myself, etc. For the allusion 
to Elizabeth, cf. ii. 3. 76 above. 

52. Memoriz' d. Made memorable. Cf. Macb. i. 2. 40 : " Or 
memorize another Golgotha." 

53. Digest this letter. Cf. L. L. L. v, 2. 289 : — 



Scene II] Notes 223 

" for it can never be 
They will digest this harsh indignity." 

64. He is return'' d in his opinio7is, etc. "The construction is 
here difficult, and the meaning equivocal. The passage means 
probably that Cranmer is actually returned in his opinions — in the 
same opinions vi^hich he formerly maintained, supported by the 
opinions of ' all famous colleges ' " (Knight). In his opinions may, 
hovi^ever, be used in distinction to " in person," as Tyrwhitt ex- 
plains it. He has not returned, but has sent his opinions in advance. 

67. Almost. Adverbs of limitation are often thus transposed. 
Qi. yet in ii. 4. 199 above. 

72. To' en much pain. Belovv^ (v. i. 1 19) we have "ta'en some 
pains." There are other instances of the variation. 

85. The Duchess of Alen<;on. The daughter of Charles of Orleans, 
Count of Angouleme, married in 1509 to Charles, Duke of Alen^on, 
who died in 1525. Two years later she was married to Henry 
d'Albret, King of Navarre. 

88. More in V than fair visage. More to be thought of than 
beauty. 

90. 77^1? Marchioness of Pembroke ! Cf. ii. 3. 61 above. 

92. Does tvhet his anger to hijn. That is, against him. Cf. Much 
Ado, ii. I. 243 : "The Lady Beatrice hath a quarrel to you." 

Sharp enough, etc. May it be whetted sharp enough, etc. 

loi. Hard-ruP d. Hard to be ruled, self-willed. 

102. One Hath crawPd. One who hath, etc.; a common ellipsis. 
Cf. i. 1. 197, iii. I. 46, 55, etc. 

106. Enter the King, reading a schedule. Steevens remarks : 
"That the cardinal gave the king an inventory of his own private 
wealth by mistake, and thereby ruined himself, is a known variation 
from the truth of history. Shakespeare, however, has not injudi- 
ciously represented the fall of that great man as owing to an inci- 
dent which he had once impr'oved to the destruction of another." 
Holinshed relates this incident as follows : — 

"Thomas Ruthall, Bishop of Durham, was, after the death of 



224 Notes [Act III 

Henry VII., one of the privy council to Henry VIII., to whom the 
king gave in charge to vi^rite a book of the whole estate of the 
kingdom. Afterwards, the king commanded Cardinal Wolsey to go 
to this bishop, and to bring the book away with him. This bishop, 
having written two books (the one to answer the king's command, 
and the other intreating of his own private affairs), did bind them 
both after one sort in vellum. Now when the cardinal came to 
demand the book due to the king, the bishop unadvisedly com- 
manded his servant to bring him the book bound in white vellum, 
lying in his study, in such a place. The servant accordingly brought 
forth one of the books so bound, being the book intreating of the 
state of the bishop. The cardinal having the book went from the 
bishop, and after (in his study by himself) understanding the con- 
tents thereof, he greatly rejoiced, having now occasion (which 
he long sought for) offered unto him, to bring the bishop into the 
king's disgrace." The result was that the bishop " shortly,, through 
extreme sorrow, ended his life at London, in the year of Christ 
1523," and "the cardinal, who had long before gaped after his 
bishopric," succeeded thereto. 

117. Hard. Here a dissyllable, according to Abbott (^Gram- 
mar, 485). 

122. Wot. The present tense of wit (Anglo-Saxon witan, to 
know, of which the 1st and 3d persons sing, are wdt), used some 
thirty times by S., but only in the present tense and the participle 
wotting. Cf. Genesis, xxi. 26, xxxix. 8, xliv. 15, etc. 

123. Umvitiingly. Used only here and in Rick. III. ii. i. 56. 
We find the verb unwit in 0th. ii. 3. 182 : " As if some planet had 
unwitted them." 

127. At such proud rate, etc. On so grand a scale that it ex- 
ceeds what a subject ought to possess. 

130. Withal. "The emphatic form of with;''^ but sometimes 
(as in 164 below) = with this, besides. 

134. Below the moon. "Sublunary; 'of the earth, earthy'" 
(Adee). 



Scene II] Notes 225 

138. In your mind. In your memory. 

140. Spiritual leisure. "That is, time devoted to spiritual 
affairs. Leisure seems to be opposed, not to occupation, but to 
toilsome and compulsory or necessary occupation " (White). Ac- 
cording to Nares, the word " stands simply for space or time allowed." 
See Rich. II. \. 1.5: " Which then our leisure would not let us 
hear; " Rich. III. v. 3. 97 : " The leisure and the fearful time Cuts 
off," etc. ; and Id. v. 3. 238 : " The leisure and enforcement of the 
time Forbids to dwell upon." We still say " I would do it, if leisure 
permitted," etc. In these instances, leisure is not precisely " want 
of leisure," as some explain it, but rather "what leisure I have" — 
which may be very little. 

142. An ill husband. A bad manager. Cf. T. of S. v. i. 71 : 
" I am undone ! While I play the good husband at home, my son 
and my servant spend all at the University," The word means 
husbandman in 2 Hen. IV. v. 3. 12: "he is your servingman and 
your husband." 

149. Tendance. Attention. Cf. T. of A. i. i. 57: "his love 
and tendance." 

159. Par'' d my present havings. Diminished my wealth. Cf. ii. 
3. 23 above. For the plural, cf. L. C. 235. 

162. The prime man. The first man. Cf. Temp. i. 2. 425: 
" My prime request, Which I do last pronounce." See also ii. 4. 
224 above. 

168. Which went. "The sense is, ^lA.-^ purposes went beyond 
all human eiideavour. I purposed for your honour more than it 
falls within the compass of man's nature to attempt'" (Johnson). 
Which, however, may refer to graces. 

171. Yet fiP d luith. That is, kept pace with, came up to. 

172. So. In so far as. 

176. Allegiant. Used by S. only here ; and no contemporary in- 
stance of the word has been pointed out. The New Eng. Diet, has 
none before 1848, when it occurs in a passage suggested by the use 
of it in S. 

HENRY VIII — 15 



226 Notes [Act III 

178. Ever has and ever shall be. On the ellipsis of bee^t, cf. T. 
and C. i, 3. 288: "That means not [to be], hath not [been], or is 
not in love." See also the note on 192 below. 

181. The honour of it, etc. "The honour of possessing such a 
spirit is a reward of its own exercise, as in the contrary case the 
baseness of a disloyal and disobedient spirit is itself a penal degra- 
dation." 

188. Notwithstanding, etc. "Besides the general bond of duty, 
by which you are obliged to be a loyal and obedient subject, you owe 
2, particular devotion of yourself to me as youx particular benefac- 
tor " (Johnson). 

192. I'hat am true, etc. The folio gives this speech as fol- 
lows : — 

" I do professe, 
That for your Highnesse good, I euer labour'd 
More then mine owne : that am, haue, and will be 
(Though all the world should cracke their duty to you, 
And throw it from their Soule, though perils did 
Abound, as thicke as thought could make 'em, and 
Appeare in formes more horrid) yet my Duty 
As doth a Rocke against the chiding Flood, 
Should the approach of this wilde Riuer breaks, 
And stand vnshaken yours." 

" The last part of the third line has long been incomprehensible to 
readers, and unmanageable to editors. Rowe read, 'That am /, 
have been, will be.' Mason would have struck the words out. Ma- 
lone, with some probability, supposed that a line had been lost after 
' and will be.' Mr. Singer reads, * that / am true, and will be ; ' and 
it appears to me that by the latter word, which it will be seen in- 
volves but the change of two letters, he has solved the difficulty. 
But the introduction of '/' is needless, as the pronoun occurs twice 
in the two preceding lines ; and under such circumstances the 
grammar of Shakespeare's time allowed it to be understood. . . . 
The slight misprint was doubtless assisted by this omission, and the 



Scene II] Notes 227 

introduction of the long parenthesis — out of place in any case — 
was a printer's desperate effort to solve the difficulty of the passage. 
The words ' that am, have, and will be,' might well stand as equiva- 
lent to ' that am, have been, and will be ; ' but this would not solve 
the difficulty, which is to find a subject and a predicate for all these 
verbs" (White). 

197. The chiding flood. The sounding, or noisy flood, Cf. I 
Hen. IV. iii. i. 45 : " the sea That chides the banks of England ;" 
A. Y. L. ii. I. 7: "And churlish chiding of the winter wind ; " M. 
N. D. iv. I. 120: "Never did I hear Such gallant chiding" (of 
hounds), etc. 

209. The story of his anger. The explanation of his anger. 

226. Like a bright exhalation, etc. Like a shooting star. Cf. 
J. C. ii. I. 44: "The exhalations whizzing in the air," etc. 

227. Enter the Dukes of N^oifolk and Suffolk, etc. " Reed re- 
marked that the Duke of Norfolk, who is introduced in the first 
scene of the first act, or in 1522, is not the same person who here, 
or in 1529, demands the great seal from Wolsey ; for Thomas How- 
ard, who was created Duke of Norfolk in 1 5 14, died, we are in- 
formed by Holinshed, in 1525. And not only are two persons 
made one, but one, two. For this Earl of Surrey is the same who 
married Buckingham'' s daughter, as we learn from his own lips in 
the first part of this scene ; and the Earl of Surrey, Buckingham'' s 
son-in-law, is also the very Duke of Norfolk who here demands the 
seals ; both titles having been at that time in the family, and he 
having been summoned to Parliament in 15 14 as Earl of Surrey in 
his own right, his father sitting as Duke of Norfolk. But this 
supposes a needless complication of blunders. Shakespeare's only 
error was, probably, ignorance or forgetfulness of the fact that the 
Dtike of Norfolk, whom he first brings upon the stage, died before 

Wolsey'' s fail ; and we are to consider Norfolk and Surrey in this 
scene as father and son, and the former as the same person who 
appears in the first scene" (White). It is an historical fact that 
Wolsey refused to deliver up the great seal at the demand of the 



228 Notes [Act III 

dukes. He retained it until the next day, when they returned with 
the king's written order for its surrender. 

229. Presently. Immediately ; the usual meaning in S. 

231. Asher-house. It appears from Holinshed that Asher was 
the ancient name of Esher, near Hampton Court. " Shakespeare 
forgot that Wolsey was himself Bishop of Winchester, unless he 
meant to say, you must confine yourself to that house which you 
possess as Bishop of Winchester " (Malone). Mr. Adee remarks: 
" It has sometimes occurred to me that the possessive s of the folio 
might be superfluous, and that the idea is to make Norfolk sarcas- 
tically address Wolsey as 'my lord of Winchester.' Wolsey was 
degraded by the king's command from his all-powerful primacy to 
the simple bishopric of Winchester, with his residence at Asher 
House." 

236. Till I find more than will, etc. " Till I find more than will 
or words (/ mean more than your malicious will and words) to do 
it — that is, to carry authority so weighty — I will deny to return 
what the king has given me " (Johnson). 

240. My disgraces. The folio reading. Some read " disgrace ; " 
but the it refers to following my disgraces. 

244. You have Christian warrant, etc. This is either ironical 
or sarcastic. 

250. Letters patents. This is the folio reading, and, as Dyce re- 
marks, is "according to the phraseology of S.'s time." We find 
the same form in Rich. II. ii. I. 202 and ii. 3. 130 — the only other 
places where S. uses the expression. He takes it from Holinshed. 

253. These fi)rty hours. Malone thought that S. wrote "these 
four hours; " but, as Steevens remarks, "forty seems anciently to 
have been the familiar number on many occasions where no very 
exact reckoning was necessary." 

259; Plague of your policy. Cf. I Hen. IV. ii. 4. 127: "A 
plague of all cowards! " with Temp. i. i. 39: "A plague upon this 
howling ! " 

260. Deputy for Ireland. Cf. ii. i. 42 above. 



Scene 11] Notes !229 

265. Lay upon my credit. Bring against my reputation. 

267. Innocent . . . From. Cf. 2 Hen. VI. iii. i. 69: "innocent 
from meaning treason;" and Macb. iii. 2. 45: "innocent of the 
knowledge." 

272. That in the way, etc. Theobald reads, " That I, in the 
way." The meaning may be, yoti that dare mate (match yourself 
with) me, who am a sounder man, etc. Even if we consider dare 
to be in the first person, that (relative referring to I \r\ I should tell 
yoti) may be its subject, and Theobald's interpolation is needless. 

280. Jaded by a piece of scarlet. Overborne or overmastered by 
a priest. As in " scarlet sin " above, there is an obvious allusion to 
the colour of the cardinal's hat and robes. Cf. I Hen. VI. i. 3. 56, 
where Gloster calls Cardinal Beaufort a " scarlet hypocrite." See 
also Cavendish's description of Wolsey as he used to go from his 
house to Westminster Hall : " He came out of his privy chamber, 
about eight of the clock, appareled all in red; that is to say, his 
upper garment was either of fine scarlet or taffety, but most com- 
monly of fine crimson satin engrained ; his pillion [that is, cap'\ of 
fine scarlet, with a neck set in the inner side with black velvet, and 
a tippet of sables about his neck," etc. 

282. Dare us with his cap, like larks. " One of the methods of 
daring Xz-xk."!, was by small mirrors fastened on scarlet cloth, which 
engaged the attention of these birds while the fowler drew his net 
over them" (Steevens). Cf. Greene's Never Too Late, part i. : 
" They set out their faces as Fowlers do their daring glasses, that 
the Larkes that soare highest may stoope soonest." 

291. Our issues. Our sons. In the next line the folio has 
" Whom if he Hue," which may be what S. wrote. 

298. Fairer And spotless. This may be = fairer and more spot- 
less. Cf M. of V. iii. 2. 295 : "The best condition'd and unwearied 
spirit," etc. 

305. Objections. Charges, accusations ; the only meaning in S. 
Cf. the verb object in Rich. II. i. I. 28 and I Hen. VI. iii. I. 7. 

309. You wrought to be a legate, etc. You manoeuvred to be one 



230 Notes [Act III 

of the pope's legates, and the power you thus gained diminished 
the jurisdiction of the bishops. As legate, Wolsey took precedence 
of all other ecclesiastical authorities in the realm. 

312. Ego et Rex mens. Holinshed says : " In all writings which 
he wrote to Rome, or any other foreign prince, he wrote Ego et 
Rex mens, I and my king; as who would say that the king were 
his servant." But, as Wolsey urged in his defence, this order was 
required by the Latin idiom. 

318. A large commission. " That is, a full-power^ under the great 
seal, of which Wolsey was the keeper. To grant letters plenipoten- 
tiary to conclude a treaty of alliance belongs to the king alone, and 
Wolsey, in issuing a full-power, usurped the royal prerogative" 
(Adee). 

319. Gregory de Cassalis, The folio has " de Cassado^'' which 
is probably what S. wrote ; following Hall, whose words are : " He, 
without the king's assent, sent a commission to Sir Gregory de Cas- 
sado, knight, to conclude a league between the king and the Duke 
of Ferrara, without the king's knowledge." 

323. Your holy hat, etc. This charge was made " rather with a 
view to swell the catalogue than from any serious cause of accusa- 
tion, inasmuch as the Archbishops Cranmer, Bainbridge, and War- 
ham were indulged with the same privilege " (Douce). 

324. Innumerable substance, etc. Untold treasure, to supply 
Rome and prepare the way for dignities you seek. Innumerable 
occurs nowhere else in S. Cf. Holinshed's " innumerable treasure " 
in note on iv. 2. 34 below. 

327. The mere undoing. The utter ruin. Cf. 0th. ii. 2. 3 : 
" the mere perdition of the Turkish fleet," etc. 

331. '' T is virtue. That is, 't is virtue to refrain from doing it. 

337. legatine. The ist folio has " Legatiue," the 2d and 3d 
have " Legantive," and the 4th has " Legantine." legatine is due 
to Rowe, and is adopted by all the editors. 

338. Prccimcnire. The word is Low Latin for ji^r^z>zo;z^ri?. The 
writ is so called from the first words of it, y^\i\c^ forewarn the per- 



Scene II] Notes 23 1 

son respecting the offence of introducing foreign authority into 
England. 

341. Chattels. The folio has "Castles;" corrected by Theo- 
bald, who remarks : " the judgment in a writ oi prcemunire is, that 
the defendant shall be out of the king' s protection ; and his lands 
and tenements, goods and chattels, ioxi&W.^^ to the king; and that 
his body shall remaiin in prison at the king's pleasure." This de- 
scription of ihQ pj'czjnuniJ'e is given by Holinshed, who has " cat- 
tels" for chattels. These forms were then used indifferently; 
"from which we may infer that the pronunciation was cattels in 
either case" (White). 

349. Farewell, a long farewell, etc. The punctuation in the 
folio is, " Farewell ? A long farewell to all my Greatnesse." 
Hunter {^Nezv Illust. of S. vol. ii. p. 108) would retain this, ex- 
plaining the line thus : " Farewell — did I say farewell ? — Yes, 
it is too surely so — a long farewell to all my greatness ! " 

351. The tender leaves of hopes. The folio reading, usually 
changed to " hope." White remarks : " The s may be a scribe's 
or printer's superfluity. But there is an appreciable, though a 
delicate distinction between ' the tender leaves of hope ' and ' the 
tender leaves of hopes ; ' and the idea conveyed to me by the 
latter, of many desires blooming into promise of fruition, is 
the more beautiful, and is certainly less commonplace." Some 
take blossoj7is to be a noun here (the folio prints it with a capital, 
"Blossomes"), but it is undoubtedly a verb. 

358. This many sunimers. Cf. M. for M. i. 3. 21 : "this nine- 
teen years," etc. 

367. That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin. Aspect is 
always accented on the second syllable by S. Cf. v. i. 89 below. 
Their ruin (altered by some editors to " our ruin" or " his ruin ") 
means the ruin which they (princes) cause, or bring ; in other 
words, their is a " subjective genitive." Similar cases are not rare 
in S. We have three examples in a single scene (v. i) of the 
Tempest: "your release," "their high wrongs," and "my wrongs." 



232 Notes [Act III 

Cf. M. N. D. ii. I. 240: "Your wrongs (the wrongs done by you) 
do set a scandal on my sex," etc. The present passage is Fletcher's. 
See pp. 14, 18, above. 

369. I.ike Lucifer. Cf. Isaiah, xiv. 12. 

380. These ruined pillars. " Alluding, of course, to his insignia 
of office" (Adee). See on ii. 4. i (stage-direction). 

397. May have a tomb, etc. The folio reads : " May haue a 
Tombe of Orphants teares wept on him." The lord chancellor is 
the general guardian of orphans. Johnson considers the metaphor 
"very harsh ; " but Steevens compares Drummond's Teares for the 
Death of Moelaides : — 

" The Muses, Phoebus, Love, have raised of their teares 
A crystal tomb to him, through which his worth appeares." 

He also cites an epigram of Martial's, in which, he says, the Heli- 
ades are represented as "weeping a tomb of tears over a viper;" 
but it is not until after the amber tears of the sisters of Phaethon 
have hardened around the reptile (so that he is " concreto vincta 
gelu ") that they are compared to a tomb. 

402. In open. Openly, in public. Steevens considers it a 
"Latinism," because in aperto is used in the same sense. It may 
be noted that "in the open" is now good English (in England, at 
least) for "in the open air." 

403. The voice. The common talk; as in iv. 2. 11. 

405. There was the weight that puWd me down, etc. Cf. what 
Cavendish says : " Thus passed the cardinal his time forth, from 
day to day and year to year, in such great wealth, joy, and triumph 
and glory, having always on his side the king's especial favour, 
until Fortune, of whose favour no man is longer assured than she 
is disposed, began to wax something wroth with his prosperous 
estate. And for the better mean to bring him low, she procured 
Venus, the insatiate goddess, to be her instrument ; who brought 
the king in love with a gentlewoman that, after she perceived and 
felt the king's good will towards her, how glad he was to please 



Scene II] Notes 233 

her, and to grant all her request, wrought the cardinal much dis- 
pleasure. This gentlewoman was the daughter of Sir Thomas 
Bullen, knight," etc. 

406. Gone beyond. Overreached. Cf. i Thessalonians, iv. 6. 

409. The noble troops that waited, etc. The number of persons 
who composed Wolsey's household was not less than one hundred 
and eighty, and soine accounts (undoubtedly exaggerated) make 
it eight hundred. Cf. Cavendish's description of the cardinal's 
passage through London on his way to France: "Then marched 
he forward, from his own house at Westminster, through all Lon- 
don, over London Bridge, having before him a great number of 
gentlemen, three in a rank, with velvet coats, and the most part 
of them with great chains of gold about their necks. And all his 
yeomen followed him, with noblemen's and gentlemen's servants, 
all in orange-tawny coats, with the cardinal's hat, and a T and a C 
(for Thomas, Cardinal) embroidered upon all the coats as well of 
his own servants as all the rest of his gentlemen's servants. And 
when his sumpter mules, which were twenty or more in number, 
and all his carriages and carts, and other of his train, were passed 
before, he rode like a cardinal, very sumptuously, with the rest of 
his train, on his own mule, with his spare mule and spare horse — 
trapped in crimson velvet upon velvet, and gilt stirrups — follow- 
ing him. And before him he had two great crosses of silver, his 
two great pillars [see on 380 above] of silver, the king's broad 
seal of England, and his cardinal's hat, and a gentleman carrying 
his valence, otherwise called his cloak-bag, which was made of fine 
scarlet, altogether embroidered very richly with gold, having in it 
a cloak. Thus passed he forth through London, as I said before; 
and every day on his journey he was thus furnished, having his 
harbingers in every place before, which prepared lodging for him 
and his train." 

418. Make use now. Make interest now, "let not advantage 
slip" (Schmidt). Cf. T. G. of V. ii. 4. 68: "Made use and fair 
advantage of his days," etc. 



234 Notes [Act IV 

428. To play the woman. To weep. Cf. Macb. iv. 6. 31 : "O, 
I could play the woman with mine eyes ! " See also Hen. V. iv. 
6. 31 and Ham. iv. 7. 190. 

Cromwell remained with Wolsey during his confinement at Esher, 
and obtained a seat in Parliament that he might defend him there. 
The Lords passed a bill of impeachment against the cardinal, but 
Cromwell opposed it in the Commons with such skill and eloquence 
that he finally defeated it. "At the length," says Cavendish, "his 
honest estimation and earnest behaviour in his master's cause, grew 
so in every man's opinion, that he was reputed the most faithful 
servant to his master of all other, wherein he was greatly of all men 
commended." 

431. Dull, cold marble. Cf. Gray, Elegy : "the dull cold ear of 
death." 

443. Still in thy right hand, etc. Some see an allusion here to 
" the rod of silver with the dove," or " bird of peace," carried at 
royal processions. See below (iv. i) in the Order of the Procession, 
and also in the account of the coronation that follows. " Cromwell 
was in holy orders, and the allusion is more likely to the priestly 
benediction, the pax vobiscum, which was always said with up- 
lifted right hand, the thumb and fore and middle fingers being 
raised to denote the Trinity" (Adee). 

453. Had I but serv'd my God, etc. It is an historical fact that, 
among his last words to Sir William Kingston, the cardinal said, 
" If I had served God as diligently as I have done the king, he 
would not have given me over in my gray hairs. But this is the 
just reward that I must receive for my diligent pains and study 
that I have had to do him service, not regarding my service to 
God, but only to satisfy his pleasure." 



ACT IV 

Scene I. — The ceremonies attending the coronation of Anne 
Bullen are minutely described by Hall, from whom S. drew the 



Scene I] Notes 235 

materials for this scene, including the Order of the Procession. 
Sir Thomas More was the chancellor on this occasion. 

7. Offered sorrozu. Cf. the use of offer in iii. 2. 388, 389, above. 

9. Their royal ??iinds. " Their devotion to the king " (Schmidt) . 
Cf. 2 I/en. IV. iv. i. 193: "our royal faiths" (fidehtyto the king). 

13. Better taken. Better received, more heartily welcomed. 

16. Of those that claim their offices, etc. Holinshed says : " In the 
beginning of May, 1533, the king caused open proclamation to be 
made, that all men that claimed to do any service, or execute any 
office, at the solemn feast of the coronation, by the way of tenure, 
grant, or prescription, should put their grant, three weeks after 
Easter, in the Star -Chamber, before Charles, Duke of Suffolk, for 
that time high steward of England, and the lord chancellor, and 
other commissioners." 

22. Beholding. Beholden. Cf. i. 4. 32 above and v. 3. 156 below. 

28. Dunstable. The court was held at Dunstable Priory, which 
was a royal foundation of Henry I, who in 1131 bestowed on it the 
town of Dunstable and all its privileges. Ampthill Castle, built in 
the fifteenth century, was one of the favourite resorts of Henry 
VIH. It was demolished about the year 1626. After many changes 
of proprietorship, the estate came into the possession of Lord Ossory, 
who planted a grove of firs where the castle had stood, and in 1773 
erected in the centre a monument, surmounted by a cross bearing 
a shield with Katherine's arms, of Castile and Arragon. A tablet 
at the base of the cross bears the following inscription, from the 
pen of Horace Walpole : — 

" In days of yore, here Ampthill's towers were seen, 
The mournful refuge of an injur'd queen ; 
Here flow'd her pure but unavailing tears, 
Here blinded zeal sustain'd her sinking years. 
Yet Freedom hence her radiant banner wav'd, 
And Love aveng'd a realm by priests enslav'd ; 
From Catherine's wrongs a nation's bliss was spread, 
And Luther's light from lawless Henry's bed." 



236 



Notes [Act IV 



29. Lay. That is, lodged, or resided. Cf. T. N. iii. i. 8: "So 
thou mayst say, the king lies by a beggar, if a beggar dwell near him ; " 
M. W. ii. 2. 63 : " When the court lay at Windsor ; " Milton, D Alle- 
gro : " Where perhaps some beauty lies," etc. Vaughan remarks that 
the word in this sense occurs rather quaintly in Holinshed, who 
says of Balliol after his expulsion from Scotland, " After this he 
went and laie a time with the Lady of Gines, that was his kins- 
woman." 

32. Main assent. General assent. Cf. Ham. i. 3. 28 : " the 
main voice of Denmark," etc. 

34. The late marriage. " The marriage lately considered as 
a valid one " (Steevens) ; or simply the previous marriage. 

35. Kimbolton. The folio has " Kymmalton," which was doubt- 
less the pronunciation of the name. Kimbolton Castle, in Hunt- 
ingdonshire, successively the property of the Bohuns, the Staffords, 
and the Wingfields, is now the seat of the Duke of Manchester. 
From an interesting account of the place in the Athencetmi (Jan. 
1 861), I extract a paragraph or two : — 

"Kimbolton is perhaps the only house now left in England in 
which you still live and move, distinguished as the scene of an act 
in one of Shakespeare's plays. Where now is the royal palace of 
Northampton? Where the baronial hall of Warkworth? . . . The 
Tower has become a barrack, and Bridewell a jail. . . . West- 
minster Abbey, indeed, remains much as when Shakespeare opened 
the great contention of York and Lancaster with the dead hero of 
Agincourt lying there in state ; and the Temple Gardens have 
much the same shape as when he made Plantagenet pluck the 
white rose, Somerset the red ; but for a genuine Shakespearian 
house, in which men still live and move, still dress and dine, 
to which guests come and go, in which children frisk and sport, 
where shall we look beyond the walls of Kimbolton Castle? 

"Of this Shakespearian pile Queen Katherine is the glory and 
the fear. The chest in which she kept her clothes and jewels, her 
own cipher on the lid, still lies at the foot of the grand staircase, 



Scene I] Notes 237 

in the gallery leading to the seat she occupied in the private chapel. 
Her spirit, the people of the castle say, still haunts the rooms and 
corridors in the dull gloaming or at silent midnight. . . . Mere 
dreams, no doubt ; but people here believe them. They say the 
ghost glides about after dark, robed in her long vi'hite dress, and 
w^ith the royal crown upon her head, through the great hall, and 
along the corridor to the private chapel, or up the grand staircase, 
past the Pellegrini cartoons." 

37. The Order of the Procession. Called in the folio "The 
Order of the Coronation;" but it is only the procession on the 
return from the coronation. White remarks: "This elaborate 
direction is of no service to the action, and was plainly intended 
only for the prompter and property-man of the theatre, that in 
getting up this show play they might have exact directions about 
putting this scene on the stage. But as it doubtless gives us 
a very exact measure of the capacity of our old theatre to present a 
spectacle, it should be retained." The direction for the exit of the 
procession follows the " Order " in these words : " Exeunt, first 
passing ouer the Stage in Order and State, and then, A great 
Flourish of Trumpets P 

Then, Garter. Garter king-at-arms, in his coat of office em- 
blazoned with the royal arms. " In the College of Heralds there 
are three Kings-at-arms for England : the first and principal one. 
Garter King-at-arms, was instituted by Henry V. for the service 
of the Order of the Garter ; the other two, or Provincial Kings-at- 
arms, being respectively entitled Clareitcieux (so named from the 
Duke of Clarence, third son of Edward III.) and Norroy (Roy du 
Nord), — the heraldic jurisdiction of the latter comprising all the 
country to the north of the Trent, while that of Clarencieux lay 
to the south" (Adee). 

Collars of SS. The folio has " Esses?' " A collar of SS, prob- 
ably so called from the S-shaped links of the chain-work, was a 
badge of equestrian nobility." 

Four of the Cinqtce-ports. These ports, in the south of England, 



238 



Notes [Act IV 



were originally five (hence the name) — Dover, Hastings, Hythe, 
Romney, and Sandwich ; Winchelsea and Rye were afterwards 
added. They were under the jurisdiction of barons, called wardens, 
for the better security of the coast, these ports being nearest to 
France, and considered the keys of the kingdom. The office was 
instituted by William the Conqueror in 1078. The Duke of Wel- 
lington was lord-warden from 1828 to his death in 1852 (cf. Long- 
fellow's poem, The Warden of the Cinque Ports). 

49. All are near. All who are near. See on i. i. 197 above. 

55. /' the abbey. That is, Westminster Abbey. 

57. The mere rankness. The very exuberance. Cf. iii. 2. 327 
above. 

89. The choicest music. The best musicians. Cf. M. of V. v. 
I. 53. 98. etc. 

90. Parted. Departed. See on iii. i. 97 above. 

100. Newly prefer j'^d. Just promoted. Cf. Rich. IV. iv. 2. 82 : 
" I will love thee and prefer thee too," etc. 

loi. He of Winchester. Stephen Gardiner, who was made 
bishop after Wolsey's death. 

106. Thomas Cromwell. Made master of the jewel-house, April 
14, 1532. He had become a privy-councillor a year earlier. 

III. Without all doubt. Beyond all doubt. 

114. Something I can command. That is, I can do something 
for your entertainment. 

Scene II. — 6. Great child of honour. Cf. 50 below. He 
died November 29, 1530, more than five years before this lime. 

10. Happily. Haply ; as often in S. 

12. The stout earl, etc. "In early youth Anne BuUen was 
betrothed to Lord Henry Percy, who was passionately in love 
with her. Wolsey, to serve the king's purposes, broke off this 
match, and forced Percy into an unwilling marriage with Lady 
Mary Talbot. 'The stout Earl of Northumberland,' who arrested 
Wolsey at York, was this very Percy ; he was chosen fo^ his mission 



Scene II] Notes 239 

by the interference of Anne Bullen — a piece of vengeance truly 
feminine in its mixture of sentiment and spitefulness, and every 
way characteristic of the individual woman" (Mrs. Jameson). 
The arrest was not at York, but at Cawood, where Wolsey was 
preparing for his installation at York. 

13. At York. Wolsey had removed to his see of York, by the 
king's command, and had taken up his residence at Cawood Castle 
(ten miles from the city), which belonged to the Archbishops of 
York. There he rendered himself extremely popular in the neigh- 
bourhood by his affability and hospitality. 

17. With easy roads. "The king," said Cavendish to Wolsey, 
"hath sent gentle Master Kingston to convey you by such easy 
journeys as you will comm.and him to do." With = by ; as often. 

To Leicester. "The next day," says Cavendish, "we rode to 
Leicester Abbey; and by the way he waxed so sick that he was 
divers times likely to have fallen from his mule ; and being night 
before we came to the Abbey of Leicester, where at his coming in 
at the gates, the abbot of the place, with all his convent, met him 
with the light of many torches ; whom they right honourably 
received with great reverence. To whom my lord said, ' Father 
abbot, I am come hither to leave my bones among you.' " 

Leicester Abbey was-founded in the year 1143, in the reign of 
King Stephen, by Robert Bossu, Earl of Leicester, and was dedi- 
cated to the Virgin Mary. It is situated in a pleasant meadow to 
the north of the town, watered by the River Soar, whence it 
acquired the name of St. Mary de Pratis, or de la Pre. The 
remains of Wolsey were interred in the abbey church, and were 
attended to the grave by the abbot and all his brethren. This 
last ceremony was performed by torchlight, the canons singing 
dirges and offering orisons, between four and five o'clock on the 
morning of St. Andrew's Day, November 30th, 1530. There is a 
traditional story that the stone coffin in which the remains were 
placed was, after its disinterment, used as a horse-trough at an inn 
near Leicester. 



240 Notes [Act IV 

19. With all his covent. The folio has "his Couent ; " and in 
M. for M. iv. 3. 133 : " One of our Couent." Covent is a very old 
form of convent, Dyce quotes a ballad, A Lytell Geste of Robyn 

Hode: — 

" The abbot sayd to his covent, 
There he stode on grounde," etc. 

He might have added that we still have the old form in " Covent 
Garden" (in London), which was originally the garden of the 
convent at Westminster. 

32. Speak hi7n. Speak of him. Cf. ii. 4. 142 and iii. i. 125 
above. 

34. Stomach. Pride, or arrogance. Cf. T. of S. v. 2. i']6: — 

"Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot, 
And place your hands below your husband's foot ; " 

where vail — abate (literally, let fall). 

In this character of Wolsey the poet follows Holinshed very 
closely : "This cardinal (as you may perceive in this story) was of 
a great stomach, for he counted himself equal with princes, and by 
crafty suggestion gat into his hands innumerable treasure : he 
forced ^ little on simony, and was not pitiful, and stood affectionate 
in his own opinion : in open presence he would lie and say untruth, 
and was double both in speech and meaning : he would promise 
much and perform little ; he was vicious of his body, and gave the 
clergy evil example." 

35. By suggestion Tithed all the kingdom. The folio has, "Ty'de 
all the Kingdome." As the clause is the counterpart of Holin- 
shed's " by crafty suggestion gat into his hands innumerable 
treasure," it is probable that "ty'de" is a misprint for "ty'thde." 
Hanmer was the first to make the correction, and is followed by 
many of the editors. "By suggestion tied all the kingdom" is 

1 Hesitated, or had scruples. Cf. L. L. L. v. 2, 440: "You force 
not to forswear." 



Scene II] Notes 241 

explained as meaning " by craft limited, or infringed the liberties 
of the kingdom." 

37. r the presence. In the royal presence. 

45. Men's evil manners, etc. Cf. J. C. iii. 2. 80 : — 

" The evil that men do Uves after them ; 
The good is oft interred with their bones." 

Steevens quotes Beaumont and Fletcher, Philaster, v. 3 : — 

" All your better deeds 
Shall be in water writ, but this in marble." 

Reed cites Whitney's Emblemes (1586) : — 

" Scribit in marmore Icesus. 
In marble harde our harmes wee always grave, 
Because, we still will beare the same in minde : 
In duste wee write the benefittes we have, 
Where they are soone defaced with the winde," etc. 

48. This cardinal, etc. This speech also follows Holinshed : 
"This cardinal (as Edmund Campian, in his history of Ireland 
describeth him) was a man_undoubtedly born to honour : I think 
(saith he) some prince's bastard, no butcher's son, exceeding wise, 
fair spoken, high minded, full of revenge, vicious of his body ; lofty 
to his enemies, were they never so big, to those that accepted and 
sought his friendship wonderful courteous ; a ripe schoolman, thrall 
to affections, brought a-bed with flattery ; insatiable to get, and 
more princely in bestowing ; as appeareth by his two colleges 
at Ipswich and Oxenford, the one overthrown with his fall, the 
other unfinished, and yet, as it lieth, for an house of students in- 
comparable throughout Christendom. . . . Agreat preferrer of his 
servants, an advancer of learning, stout in every quarrel, never 
happy till his overthrow ; wherein he showed such moderation, and 
ended so perfectly, that the hour of his death did him more honour 
than all the pomp of his life passed." 

HENRY VIII — 16 



242 Notes [Act IV 

50. Was fashion' d to much honour, etc. The folio points thus : — 

" Was fashion'd to much Honor. From his Cradle 
He was a Scholler, and a ripe, and good one," etc. 

52. Exceeding. Often used adverbially. 

59. Oxford. It was Christ Church College that Wolsey founded. 

60. The good that did it. The goodness that founded it. Pope 
read " the good he did it," but the folio is generally followed. 

74. Modesty. Moderation. Cf. v. 3. 64 below. 

78. Cause the inusicians play. Cf. 128 below. 

82. (Stage-direction). Solemnly tripping. " Trip signified a 
dancing kind of motion, either light or serious" (Keightley). 
Vizards = visors, masks. Cf. M. W. iv. 4. 70 : "I '11 go buy 
them vizards ; " Macb. iii. 2. 34 : " make our faces vizards to our 
hearts." We find also vizarded, as in AI. W. iv. 6. 40 : " masked 
and vizarded." 

94. Bid the music leave. See on iv. I. 89 above. Leave =^ 
leave off, cease. 

98. An earthy cold. Cf. Tien. IV. v. 4. 84: "the earthy and 
cold hand of death," etc. Needless emendations are " earthly 
cold," and " earthy colour." 

no. Capticius. The Latin form of Chapuys. Holinshed calls 
him " Eustachius Caputius." 

127. That letter. The letter (as quoted by Mrs. Jameson) was 
as follows : — 

" My most dear Lord, King, and Husband : — 

"The hour of my death now approaching, I cannot choose 
but, out of the love I bear you, advise you of your soul's health, 
which you ought to prefer before all considerations of the world or 
flesh whatsoever ; for which yet you have cast me into many ca- 
lamities, and yourself into many troubles : but I forgive you all, and 
pray God to do so likewise ; for the rest, I commend unto you 
Mary our daughter, beseeching you to be a good father to her, as I 
have heretofore desired. I must intreat you also to respect my 



Scene I] Notes 243 

maids, and give them in marriage, which is not much, they being 
but three, and all my other servants a year's pay besides their due, 
lest otherwise they be unprovided for : lastly, I make this vow, 
that mine eyes desire you above all things. — Farewell ! " 

132. Model. Image, representative. Cf. j^zV/z. //. i. 2. 28 ; — 

" In that thou seest thy wretched brother die, 
Who was the model of thy father's life." 

See also Ham. v. 2. 50, Per. ii. 2. 11, etc. 

146. Let him be a noble. Even though he should be a noble- 
man. Some editors put a semicolon after husbajid. 

148. The poorest. Very poor; the superlative being used as 
sometimes in Latin. 

169. Maiden flowers. Explained by what follows. Cf. Ham. v. 
I. 256 : "maiden strewments." 

173. I can no more. Cf. Ham. iv. 7. 85: "And they can well 
on horseback," etc. 



ACT V 



Scene I. — 2. Hours. A dissyllable. See on ii. 3. 36 above. 

7. At prhtiero. A game at cards, very fashionable in that day. 
Cf. M. W. iv. 5. 104 : " I never prospered since I forswore myself 
at primero." Some of the technicalities of the game, as given in 
Minsheu's Dialogues in Spanish and English, were very similar to 
those in certain games now in vogue ; as " Passe," " I am come to 
passe again e," " He see it," " I am flush," etc. Just how the game 
was played is now unknown. 

13. Some touch of your late business. Some hint of the business 
that keeps you awake so late. 

14. As they say spirits do. Cf. W. T. iii. 3. 17 : — 

" I have heard, but not believ'd, the spirits of the dead 
May walk again," 



244 Notes [Act V 

17. Commend. Deliver. Cf. Macb. i. 7. ii, Lear,\\. 4. 28, etc. 

19. In great extremity, and fear'' d. Such ellipsis is not rare. 
Cf. iv. 2. 127, and 34 below. 

22. Good time. A fortunate delivery ; as in W. T. ii. i. 20, etc. 

28. i^/mi? ^w;z w<rj/. "Mine oven opinion in religion" (John- 
son). 

36. The gap and trade, etc. " Trade is the practised method, the 
general course^'' (Johnson). Steevens compares Rich. I I. iii. 3. 
156 : " Some way of common trade." The word has no connection 
with the very rare trade — tread, used by Spenser in F. Q. ii. 6. 39 : 
"some salvage beastes trade." 

37. Time. The first three folios have " Lime ; " corrected in 
the 4th folio. 

42. / may tell it you, etc. The pointing is Dyce's. The folio has 

" and indeed this day, 
Sir (I may tell it you) I think I haue 
Incenst the Lords o' th' Councell," etc. 

43. Incens'd. According to Nares, incense (or insense) means 
"to instruct, inform ; a provincial expression still quite current in 
Staffordshire, and probably Warwickshire, whence we may suppose 
S. had it." This interpretation is adopted by some editors ; but 
incens'd may mean prompted, as others explain it. 

46. With which they mov'd. And they, being moved (incited, 
influenced) by this. 

47. Have broken zvith the king. That is, have communicated 
with, have broached the subject to him. Cf. T. G. of V. iii. I. 59: 
" I am to break with thee of some affairs ; " Much Ado, i. i. 311 : 
" I will break with her," etc. 

52. Convented. Summoned. Cf. ^li/./^r yl/. v. i. 158 :" When- 
soever he 's convented ; " Cor. ii. 2. 58 : " We are convented Upon 
a pleasing treaty." 

66. Ha ? Said to have been a favourite exclamation of Henry, 
and not merely interrogative. Cf. 81, 86, below, etc. 



Scene I] Notes 245 

67. Is she crying out? Is she in labour ? Wright compares 
Isaiah, xxvi. 17. 

68. Sufferance. See on ii. 3. 15 above. 

74. Estate. State. See on ii. 2. 69 above. 

75. I must think, etc. Referring to the business with Cranmer, 
for. whom he had sent. 

78. Enter Sir Anthony Denny. Denny was one of the com- 
panions of Henry's younger days, knighted about the year I54l» 
and made one of the privy council. 

84. The bishop spake. That is, spake about. See on i. i. 197 
above. 

85. Happily. Luckily ; as in v. 2. 9 below. 

86. Avoid the gallery. Clear the gallery. Cf. Temp. iv. i. 142, 
Cor. iv. 5. 34, W. T. i. 2. 462, etc. 

loi. This morning. It is past midnight. Cf. 72 above. 

102. With such freedom purge yourself. Clear yourself so com- 
pletely. 

104. Take Your patience to you. The same expression occurs in 
W. T. iii. 2. 232. -_ 

106. You a brother of us. " You being one of the council, it is 
necessary to imprison you, that the witnesses against you may not 
be deterred" (Johnson). Cf. v. 3. 49 below : "you are a coun- 
sellor," etc. 

no. Ihroughly. Thoroughly; as often. Cf. Temp.\\\. 3. 14, 
Ham. iv. 5. 136, etc. 

116. By my halidom. A common oath in that day. Cf. T. G. 
of F". iv. 2. 136. The folio has " Holy dame," which is probably a 
corruption of halidom, not = " Holy Dame," as Rowe reads. Ac- 
cording to Fox, Henry said : " Oh Lorde, what maner o' man be 
you ? What simplicitie is in you ? I had thought that you would 
rather have sued to us to have taken the paines to have heard you 
and your accusers together for your triall, without any such 
indurance." 

121. Indurance. Being put in durance ; imprisonment. S. uses 



246 Notes [Act V 

the word only here, taking it from Fox. Schmidt makes it = 
endurance. 

122. The good I stand on. The advantage, or merit, in which I 
trust. Johnson conjectured, "The ground I stand on," 

1 24. / weigh not. I value not. Cf. L. L. L. v. 2. 27 : " You 
weigh me not ? O, that 's you care not for me." 

125. I fear nothing. Here wo/'^zVz^ is an adverb ; as often. Cf. 
something \vl'\. i. 195. 

126. Know you not, etc. Cf. Fox : "Do you not know what 
state you be in with the whole world, and how many great enemies 
you have ? Do you not consider what an easie thing it is to procure 
three or foure false knaves to witness against you ? Thinke you to 
have better lucke that waie than your master Christ had ? I see by 
it you will run headlong to your undoing, if I would suffer you," etc. 

128. Practices. Artifices, machinations. See on i. I, 204 above. 

1 29. Not ever. That is, not always ; it is not equivalent to never. 
S. uses the expression in this sense only here. 

132. Cori'-upt minds, etc. Corrupt is h-ere accented on the first 
syllable because coming before the noun, while in the predicate it 
has the other accent. This variation often occurs in dissyllabic 
adjectives and participles. See on compelVd, ii, 3. 85 above. 

135. Ween. Think, imagine. Cf. i Hen. VI. ii, 5. 88 : "ween- 
ing to redeem," etc. 

136, Witness. Testimony. Dyce prints it "witness'," as if = 
"witnesses." Cf, mightiness (plural) in Hen. V. v. 2. 28. 

138. Naughty. Wicked; as often. Cf. Lear, ii. 7. 37, where 
the King addresses Regan as " Naughty lady ! " See also Prov- 
erbs, vi. 12, etc. 

142. The trap is laid. For the ellipsis of the relative, cf i. i. 
197, iii. 2. 103, 219, 242, etc. 

157. Enter an old Lady. "It is painful to think that Steevens 
was probably correct in his irreverent supposition that ' this is the 
same old cat that appears with Anne Bullen ' in a previous scene " 
(White). 



Scene II] Notes 247 

159. Now, good angels, etc. Cf. Ham. iii. 4. 103: — 

" Save me, and hover o'er me with your wings, 
You heavenly guards ! " 

164. And of a lovely boy, etc. "The humour of the passage con- 
sists in the talkative old lady, who had in her hurry said it was a 
boy, adding * bless J^er ' before she corrects her mistake " (Boswell). 

167. Desires your visitation, etc. Desires you to visit her and 
to be acquainted, etc. On visitation, cf. i. I. 179 above. 

171. By this light. A common oath. Cf. Much Ado, v. I. 140, 
v. 4. 93, and L. L. L. iv. 3. 10. In Temp. ii. 2. 147 and W. T. 
ii. 3. "^2 we find " By this good light." 

175. Unsay. Contradict. Cf. M. N. D. i. i. 181, Rich. II. iv. 
I. 9, etc. 

Scene II. — 7. Enter Doctor Butts. William Butts, principal 
physician to Henry VIII., and one of the founders of the College 
of Physicians, was a man of great learning and judgment. Later 
he was knighted. 

13. Sound not. That is, proclaim not. Ci. K.John, iv. 2. ^2>: — 

"Then I, as one that am the tongue of these, 
To sound the purposes of all their hearts," etc. 

15. I never sought their malice. I never gave occasion for their 
malice. 

19. Enter the King and Butts at a wiridow above. " In America 
we are not without some examples of old houses in which large 
rooms are commanded by windows opening into them from passage- 
ways or small adjacent apartments. But of old it was quite common 
in England to have such windows in the large rooms of manor- 
halls, castles, and palaces, especially in the kitchen and the dining- 
room, or banqueting-hall. From these apertures the mistress of 
the mansion could overlook the movements of her servants, either 
with or without their knowledge, and direct them without the 
trouble and unpleasantness of mingling with them, Instead of a 



248 Notes [Act V 

window, there was very often a door opening upon a small gallery 
or platform, not unlike those in which the musicians are placed in 
some assembly rooms. Such a gallery, too, was part of the stage 
arrangement of Shakespeare's day" (White). 

21. Saw. Has seen. Cf. Cymb. iv. 2. 66: "I saw him not 
these many years," etc. See also on ii. i. 146 above. 

28. They had pai'ted, etc. " They had shared ; that is, had so 
much honesty among them" (Steevens). 

Scene III. — The Council-chamber . " Theobald, the first regu- 
lator of Shakespeare's plays, should have begun a new scene here, 
although the stage-direction in the folio is only ' A Councell Table 
brought in with Chayres and Stooles, and placed vnder the State,'' etc. 
But this is plainly the mere result of the absence of scenery of any 
kind on Shakespeare's stage, and the audience were to imagine that 
the scene changed from the lobby before the Council-chamber to 
that apartment itself. For it will be observed that Cranmer, enter- 
ing the former, finds the doors of the latter shut ('all fast') against 
him : he is bidden to enter, and the king and Dr. Butts afterward 
do enter the Council-chamber, according to the direction of the 
folio. It is true that the Door-keeper appears in both scenes ; but 
in the former he is within, in the latter he is summoned from with- 
out. This must be regarded, of course, in the performance of the 
play before a modern audience ; but as the scene has remained 
undivided until the present day, except by those early editors who 
followed the French custom of making a new scene at every 
important entrance or exit, a rectification of the slight want of 
conformity to mere external truth would not compensate for the 
inconvenience to those who refer to the play consequent upon a 
disturbance of the old arrangement" (White). 

Enter the Lord Chancellor. On the 29th of November, 1529, Sir 
Thomas More received the great seal, surrendered by Wolsey on 
the i8th of the same month. As he in turn surrendered it on the 
1 6th of May, 1532, which was before the date of this scene as fixed 



Scene III] Notes 249 

by the mention of the birth of Elizabeth (September 7th, 1533), 
Theobald argues that Sir Thomas Audley, More's successor, must 
be the chancellor meant here. He was, however (as Malone re- 
marks), lord keeper at this time, and did not obtain the title of 
Chancellor until the January after the birth of Elizabeth. For the 
purposes of the drama, it would be better to consider More as the 
chancellor here, his appointment to the office having been men- 
tioned in the preceding act ; but as a matter of history, Audley 
held the great seal in 1543, when Cranmer was accused of heresy. 
S. here brings into one scene events separated by an interval of at 
least ten years. 

9. At this present. Now used only in the language of the law. 
Cf. VV. T. i. 2. 192, etc. We find also "for this present," iny. C. 
i. 2. 165 ; "on the present," in T. of A. i. I, 141 ; "in present," 
in T. and C. iii. 2. 100, etc. Bacon uses " at that present," in his 
Hejt. VII. 

II. Capable Of otir Jlesh. Liable to the weaknesses belonging 
to flesh and blood ; " subject to the temptations of our fleshly 
nature" (Schmidt). Various emendations have been proposed; 
but none is necessary. Cf. A. W. i. I. 106 and K. fohn, ii. i. 476. 

22. Pace ''em not in their hands. Do not lead them about, or 
" put them through their paces." 

24. Manage. Often used of the training of horses. 

30. The tipper Germany. " Alluding to the heresy of Thomas 
Miinzer, which sprung up in Saxony in the years 1521 and 1522" 
(Grey). 

38. A single heart. A heart free from duplicity. Cf. Acts, ii. 46, etc. 

39. Stirs against. Bestirs himself, or is active against. Cf. 
Rich. II. i. 2. 3 : " To stir against the butchers of his life." 

43. Men that make, etc. Cf. iii. 2. 243 above. 
47. Be what they will. Whoever they may be. Cf. Lear, v. 3. 
98:- 

" What in the world he is 
That names me traitor, villain-like he lies." 



250 Notes [Act V 

50. By that virtue. By virtue of that office. 

60. / shall both find. One of the many Elizabethan transposi- 
tions of adverbs, Cf. only in 112 below. See also on ii. 4. 197. 

64. Modesty. Explained by the preceding meekness. Cf. iv. 2. 
74 above. 

66. Lay all the weight, etc. Whatever may be the weight, etc. 

71. Your painted gloss, ^\.z. " Those that understand you, under 
\.\us, painted gloss, this fair outside, discover your empty talk and 
your false reasoning" (Johnson). Discovers — discloses, betrays; 
as often. Cf. T. G. of V. iii. i. 4, M.for M. iii. i. 199, Much Ado, 
i. 2. 12, ii. 3. 161, iii. 2. 97, etc. 

77. To load a falling man. Cf. iii. 2. 331 above. 

78. / cry your honour mercy, I beg your pardon ; ironical of 
course. 

85. This is too much. This folio gives this speech to the cham- 
berlain, and also the ones beginning at 87 and 107 below.- The 
misprint of " Cham.^'' for " Chan.'" is easily made. "This is the 
king's ring" (102) probably belongs to the chamberlain, who ap- 
pears to speak only this once during the scene. 

88. Voices. See on i. 2. 70 and ii. 2. 93 above. 

109. My mind gave me. I suspected. Cf. Cor. iv. 5. 257. 

113. Have at ye. See on ii. 2. 84 and iii. 2. 307 above. 

124. Such flattejy now. Pope reads " flatteries ; " but they in 
the next line may refer to commendations. The pointing is that of 
the folio. Capell and others put a comma after now, and the semi- 
colon after presence. 

125. Thin and bare. The folio has " thin, and base." The cor- 
rection is Malone's, and is generally adopted. 

126. To me you canjiot reach, etc. The folio has a comma at 
the end of the preceding line, and points this line thus : " To me 
you cannot reach. You play the Spaniell," which some editors 
retain. Mason suggested the reading in the text. 

1 30. The proudest. He that, etc. The folios read " the proudest 
He, that," etc., which the Cambridge editors follow. 



Scene III] Notes 251 

133. Thmi but once think this place. The folio has "his place ; " 
corrected by Rovve. 

135. I had thought I had had. I thought I had. According to 
Fox, the king said : " Ah, my lords, I thought I had wiser men of 
my counsaile than now I find you. What discretion was this in you 
thus to make the primate of the realme, and one of you in office, to 
wait at the counsaille-chamber doore amongst servingmen ? You 
might have considered tliat he was a counsailer as wel as you, and 
you had no such commission of me so to handle him. I was con- 
tent that you should trie him as a counsailer, and not as a meane 
subject. But now I well perceive that things be done against him 
maliciouslie, and if some of you might have had your mindes, you 
would have tried him to the uttermost. But I doe you all to wit, 
and protest, that if a prince may bee beholding unto his subject 
(and so solemnlie laying his hand upon his brest, said), by the 
faith I owe to God, I take this man here, my lord of Canterburie, 
to be of all other a most faithful subject unto us, and one to whome 
we are much beholding, giving him great commendations other- 
wise." 

146. Had ye mean. S. commonly uses the plural means, but 
has mean in J. C. iii. i. 161 : "no mean of death ; " A. and C. iv. 
6. 35: "a swifter mean;" Ot/i. iii. i. 39: "I '11 devise a mean," 
etc. Cf Bacon, Essay 19: " thinke to Command the End, and not 
to endure the Meane," etc. 

149. What zaas purposed, etc. " And with that," says Fox, "one 
or two of the chiefest of the counsaile, making their excuse, de- 
clared, that in requesting his indurance, it was rather ment for his 
triall and his purgation against the common fame and slander of 
the worlde, than for any malice conceived against him. ' Well, 
well, my lords (^uoth the king), take him, and well use him, as 
hee is worthy to bee, and make no more ado.' And with that, 
every man caught him by the hand, and made faire weather of 
altogethers, which might easilie be done with that man." 

156. Beholding. Beholden. See on i. 4. 32 above. 



Q.^2 Notes [Act V 

i6i. T^ai is, a fair young maid. Rowe read, "There is," 
which some editors favour. Cf. R. and J. iv. 2. 31 : " this rever- 
end holy friar. All our v^^hole city is much bound to him." 

166. You'd spare your spoons. It was the old custom for the 
sponsors at christening to make a present of gilt spoons to the child. 
These were called apostle spoons, because figures of the apostles 
were carved on the handles. Rich people gave the whole twelve, 
but those who were poorer or more penurious limited themselves to 
four (for the evangelists), or even to one, which represented the 
patron saint of the child. Allusions to these spoons are frequent 
in our old writers. The Variorum of 1821 fills a page with 
examples. 

This line and the two that follow are printed as prose in the folio 
(so in the Cambridge ed.), but, as Abbott remarks (^Grammar, 
333), thi^ " makes an extraordinary and inexplicable break in a 
scene which is wholly verse." Proper names are often treated very 
freely in verse by S. 

174. The common voice. See on iii. 2. 403 above. 

176. A shrewd turn. An ill turn. Shrewd often = evil (its 
original meaning), Cf. A. Y. L. v. 4. 179: "shrewd days," etc. 

177. Trijle time away. Cf. AI. of V. iv. i. 298 : "We trifle 
time." 

178. Made a Christian. That is, christened. 

Scene IV. — 2. Parish-garden. The vulgar pronunciation of 
Paris Garden. "This celebrated bear-garden on the Bankside 
was so called from Robert de Paris, who had a house and garden 
there in the time of Richard II." (Malone). The Globe Theatre 
stood on the southern side of the Thames, and was contiguous to 
this garden, which was noted for its noise and disorder. 

3. Gaping. Shouting or bawling. Littleton's Diet, has "To 
gape or bawl, vociferor." This may be the meaning of the word 
in M. of V. iv. i. 47: "a gaping pig." Schmidt gives it so. 

15. May-day morning. All ranks of people used to " go / 



Scene IV] Notes . '^53 

Maying " on the first of May. Stowe says : " In the month of 
May, namely, on Mayday in the morning, every man, except impedi- 
ment, would walk into the sweet meadows and green woods ; there 
to rejoice their spirits with the beauty and savour of sweet flowers, 
and with the noise ^ of birds, praising God in their kind." We 
read in Hall of the Venetian ambassadors, in 1515, accompanying 
Queen Katherine, in great state, to meet Henry VHI. at Shooter's 
Hill, near Greenwich ; and, after music and a banquet, they pro- 
ceeded homeward ; certain pasteboard giants (Gog and Magog) 
being borne in the procession, and " Lincoln green " worn in honour 
of Robin Hood. Katherine also gathered " May-dew " in Green- 
wich Park. 

16, PaiiPs. St. Paul's Cathedral. It is " Powles " in the folio, 
as often ; but this is a mere phonographic irregularity, not a charac- 
teristic vulgarism like " Parish " above. " Paul " was universally 
pronounced Pole in S.'s time. 

19. Four foot. Cf. I Hen. IV. ii. 2. 13: "four foot; " W. T. 
iv. 4. 347: "twelve foot and a half," etc. So "three pound of 
sugar" (^W. T.'vf. 3. 40), "a hundred pound in gold" (i^/. W. 
iv. 6. 5), etc. This use of the singular for the plural in familiar 
terms of weight and measure is common even now in vulgar speech. 

22. Sir Guy, nor Colbrand. Sir Guy of Warwick was a famous 
hero of the old romances, and Colbrand was a Danish giant whom 
he subdued at Winchester. Ci. K. John, i. i. 225 : "Colbrand 
the giant, that same mighty man." 

25. Let me ne''er hope to see a chine again, etc. This passage 
stands thus in the folio : — 

1 Noise sometimes meant chorus, symphony, music, or band of 
musicians. Cf. 2 Hett. IV. ii. 4. 13 : " See if thou canst find out Sneak's 
noise; Mistress Tearsheet would fain have some music." For the 
word as applied to musical sounds, see Spenser, F. Q. i. 12. 39: " Dur- 
ing the which there was an heavenly noise ; " Milton, At a Solemn 
Music: "that melodious noise;" Hymn on Nativity : "the stringed 
noise," etc, Coleridge has " a pleasant noise " in the Ancient Mariner. 



254 Notes [Act V 

" Let me ne'er hope to see a Chine againe, 
And that I would not for a Cow, God saue her." 

The main difficulty has been the God save her ! as referring to 
coiv ; but a writer in the Literary Gazette (Jan. 25, 1862) says that 
a phrase identical with that used by S. is in use to this day in the 
south of England. " ' Oh ! I would not do that for a cow, save 
her tail ! ' may still be heard in the mouths of the vulgar in Devon- 
shire." Staunton quotes Greene and Lodge's Looking Glasse for 
London (1598): " my blind mare, God bless her !" For chine, 
of. 2 ILen. VL. iv. 10. 61 : "chines of beef." 

32. Moorfields. The train-bands of the city were exercised in 
Moorfields, a suburb of London. 

34. Brazier. A brass-founder, and a small portable furnace. 
"Both these senses are understood" (Johnson). 

36. Under the line. Under the equator. Cf, Temp.'w.l. 237. 
Fire-drake has several meanings : a fiery dragon (as in the Ro- 
mance of Bevis of Hampton), a will-o'-the-wisp, or ignis fatuus, 
and a kind of firework. 

39. To blow us. That is, to blow us up. Blow up occurs in 
T. and C. iv. 4. 56, LLen. V. iii. 2. 68, 96, etc. 

41. Pinked. Worked in eyelet holes. On the passage, cf. T. 
ofS. iv. Z'^Z'^ 

" Haberdasher. Here is the cap your worship did bespeak. 
Petruchio. Why, this was moulded on a porringer; 
******* 
Away with it ! come let me have a bigger. 

Katherine. I'll have no bigger; this doth fit the time, 
And gentlewomen wear such caps as these." 

43. The meteor. The "fire-drake." 

44. Clubs I This was the rallying-cry of the London apprentices, 
who used their clubs to preserve the public peace ; but sometimes, 
as here, to raise a disturbance. Cf. i LLen. VL. i. 3. 84 : "I '11 call 



Scene IV] NoteS 2^5 

for clubs, if you will not away." S. often puts home phrases into 
the mouths of foreign characters, and we find this one in A. V. L. 
V. 2. 44, R. and J. i. i. 8o, etc. 

48. To the broomstaff to me. Pope read " with me ; " but cf. 
"a quarrel to you" (^Much Ado, ii. i. 243), etc. 

49. Loose shot. Random shooters. For shot, cf. 2 Hen, IV. iii. 
2. 295 and I Hen. Vl. i. 4. 53. 

51. Win the work. Carry the fortification. 

55. The Tribulation of Tower-hill, or the linibs of Limehouse. 
No other allusion to these places or assemblages has been dis- 
covered. It may be that these are the names of Puritan congrega- 
tions, as some have supposed ; or that their dear brothers refers to 
the obstreperous youths first named, and that the audiences were 
of the same sort. Tribulation was a common name among the 
Puritans. 

57. Limbo Patrum. "In confinement. 'In limbo' continues 
to be a cant phrase, in the same sense, at this day" (Malone). 
The Limbus Patrum is properly " the purgatory of the Patriarchs," 
where they are supposed to be waiting for the resurrection. Cf. C. 
of E. iv. 2. 32 : "he 's in Tartar Limbo, worse than hell ; " T. A. 
iii. I. 149 : " as far from help as Limbo is from bliss ; " A. W. v. 3. 
261 : " of Satan, and of Limbo," etc. 

58. The running banquet. The word banquet used to mean, 
not the full dinner or supper, but merely the dessert. Cf. Massin- 
ger, Un7iatural Combat, iii. I : — 

" We '11 di7ie in the great room ; but let the music 
And bafiquet be prepared here." 

So in Cavendish's Life of Wolsey : " where they did both sup and 
banquet." In this case, a whipping was to- be the dessert of the 
rioters after their regular course of Limbo. 

63. Made a fine hand. Done a good business (ironical). Cf. 
Cor. iv. 6. 117 : "You have made fair hands." 

71. Lay ye all^ etc. According to Lord CdiVcv^htW, to lay by the 



256 



Notes [Act V 



heeh was " the technical expression for committing to prison." Here 
it probably means " put you in the stocks," as Wright explains it. 

74. Baiting of bombards. That is, tippling. For bombard (a 
large leather vessel for liquor), cf. Te^np. ii. 2. 21 and i Hen. IV, 
ii. 4. 497. 

79. A Marshalsea. The Marshalsea was a well-known prison. 

82. Get up 0' the rail. Mason would read " off the rail ; " but 
of was often used where we should vlSQ fro^n. We still say " out of 
the house," etc. Camblet, or camlet, was a woolen cloth, originally 
made of camel's hair. 

%T,. I 7/ pick you. I '11 pitch you. The folio has " He pecke 
you." Cf. Cor. i. i. 204 : "as high As I could pick my lance." 

Scene V. — The Palace. At Greenwich, where, as we learn 
from Hall, this procession was made from the Church of the Grey 
Friars. Standing bowls = bowls elevated on feet or pedestals. Ac- 
cording to Hall (whom S. follows here), " the Archbishop of Can- 
terbury gave to the princess a standing cup of gold ; the Duchess 
of Norfolk gave to her a standing cup of gold, fretted with pearl ; 
the Marchioness of Dorset gave three gilt bowls, pounced, with a 
cover ; and the Marchioness of Exeter gave three standing bowls, 
graven, all gilt, with a cover." 

I. Garter's speech is from Holinshed almost verbatim. For 
Garter, see on iv. I. 37 above. 

12. Gossips. A gossip, in its first and etymological sense, as 
Trench (^Select Glossary, etc.) remarks, "is a sponsor in baptism — 
one sib or akin in God, according to the doctrine of the mediaeval 
Church, that sponsors contracted a spiritual affinity with one an- 
other, with the parents, and with the child itself. ' Gossips,' in this 
primary sense, would ordinarily be intimate and familiar with one 
another, . . . and thus the word was next applied to all familiars 
and intimates. At a later day it obtained the meaning which is 
now predominant in it, namely, the idle profitless talk, the com- 
merage (which word has exactly the same history) that too often 



Scene Vj Notes 257 

finds place in the intercourse of such." Cf. C. of E.v. i. 405 : 
"Go to a gossips' feast; " W. T. ii. 3. 41 : "needful conference 
About some gossips for your highness," etc. 

23. Saba. The Queen of Sheba. S)GQ 1 Kings, yi.i. The word A, 
Sheba seems to have been unknown to English and even to Latin 
literature in the time of S. The Arab legends (which are mere 
legends, of course) call the queen Balkis. Peele and Marlowe 
speak of her as " Saba." 

34. Under his owji vine. Cf. Micah, iv. I. 

40. The maiden phcenix. So called because it did not give 
birth to offspring, but rose again from its own ashes. For allusions 
to it, see Temp. iii. 2. 23, A. Y. L. iv. 3. 17, The Phcenix and the 
Turtle, etc. 

50. Wherever the bright sun, etc. See p. ii above. On a pic- 
ture of King, James, which formerly belonged to Bacon, and is now 
in the possession of Lord Grimston, he is styled imperii Atlantici 
conditor (Malone). 

59. But she must die, etc. The folio reads : — 

" But she must dye, 
She must, the Saints must haue her; yet a Virgin, 
A most vnspotted Lilly shall she passe 
To th' ground, and all the Wo ride shall mourne her." 

Dyce thinks that Cranmer meant to express " regret at his fore- 
knowledge that Elizabeth was to die childless, not that she was to 

die,^^ and points thus : — 

" but she must die, — 
She must, the saints must have her, — yet a virgin ; 
A most unspotted lily," etc. 

But, as "White remarks, the archbishop simply means to say " that 
the Virgin Queen was too good to die." 

65. Did I get any thing. That is, any thing worth reckoning in 
comparison with such a blessing. Get ■=■ beget ; as often. Happy 
= of happy augury, promising. See on i. prol. 24. 

HENRY VIII — 17 



258 Notes [Actv 

70. And your good brethren. The folio has " And you good 
Brethren," which Theobald corrected, at the suggestion of Dr. 
Thirlby. The king would not call the aldermen his brethren. 

75. Has business. That is, he has business. The folio reads 
" 'Has," which was probably for " he has." The nominative is 
often omitted with has, is, was, etc. See on i. 3. 56 above. 



THE EPILOGUE 



On the authorship of the Epilogue, see notes on the Prologue. 

10. Good women. The rhyme would seem to require that women 
be accented on the last syllable, though the measure has to halt for 
it. Mr. Adee writes me : "The curious rhyme of in and women is 
one of Peele's most characteristic earmarks. For instance, he 
rhymes brings and tidings. But Peele died ten years too soon to 
have written this, unless it is an old unused Epilogue, tacked on to 
Hen. VIII. by a later hand." 

11. If they smile, etc. Steevens remarks that we have the same 
thought in the Epilogues to A. V. L. and 2 Hen. IV. 



APPENDIX 

The Time-Analysis of the Play 

This is summed up by Mr. P. A. Daniel ( Trans, of New Shaks. 
Soc. 1877-1879, p. 345) as follows: — 

"The time of this Play is seven days represented on the stage, 
with intervals, the length of which it is, perhaps, impossible to de- 
termine : see how dates are shuffled in the list below. 
Day I. Act I. sc. i.-iv. 

Interval. [It should be short ; for at the end of Act I. 
sc. ii. the King orders the present trial of Buckingham ; but as in 
sc. iv. Henry first makes the acquaintance of Anne, the following 
scenes require it to be long.] 
Day 2. Act II. sc. i.-iii. 
Day 3. Act II. sc. iv. 
Day 4. Act III. sc. i. 

Interval. 
Day 5. Act III. sc. ii. 

Interval. 
Day 6. Act IV. sc. i. and ii. 

Interval. 
Day 7. Act V. sc. i.-v." 



Historic Dates, in the Order of the Play 

1520. June. Field of the Cloth of Gold. 
1522. March. War declared with France. 

1522. May-July. Visit of the Emperor to the English Court. 

1 5 21. April 1 6th. Buckingham brought to the Tower. 
1527. Henry becomes acquainted with Anne Bullen. 

259 



26o Appendix 



1 5 21, May. Arraignment of Buckingham. May 17th, his 
execution. 

1527. August. Commencement of proceedings for the divorce. 

1528. October. Cardinal Campeius arrives in London. 

1532. September. Anne BuUen created Marchioness of Pem- 

broke. 

1529. May. Assembly of the Court at Blackfriars. 
1529, 1 Cranmer abroad working for the divorce. 

1533. / Return of Cardinal Campeius to Rome. 

1533. January. Marriage of Henry with Anne Bullen. 
1529. October. Wolsey deprived of the great seal. 

1529. October 25th. Sir Thomas More chosen Lord Chancellor. 
1533. March 30th. Cranmer consecrated Archbishop of Canter- 
bury. 

1533. May 23d. Nullity of the marriage with Katherine de- 
clared. 

1530. November 29th. Death of Cardinal Wolsey. 
1533. June 1st. Coronation of Anne. 

1536- January 8th, Death of Queen Katherine. 
1533. September 7th. Birth of Elizabeth. 
1544. Cranmer called before the Council. 
1533. September. Christening of Elizabeth. 



List of Characters in the Play 

The numbers in parentheses indicate the lines the characters 
have in each scene. 

King: i. 2(79), 4(19); ii. 2(32), 4(95); iii. 2(61) ; v. 1(85), 
2(i3)> 3(50), 5(23). Whole no. 457. 

Wolsey: i. 1(5), 2(42), 4(42); ii. 2(32), 4(48); i". i(4o)» 
2(227). Whole no. 436. 

Campeius: ii. 2(15), 4(15); iii. 1(23). Whole no. 53. 

Capucius : iv. 2(11). Whole no. ii. 



Appendix 261 

Cranmer : v. 1(19), 2(16), 3(43), 5(56). "Whole no. 134. 

Norfolk : i. i (105), 2(9) ; ii. 2(39) ; iii. 2(54) ; v. 3(4). Whole 
no. 211. 

Buckingham: i. I (118); ii. 1(74). Whole no. 192. 

Suffolk: ii. 2(17); iii. 2(63); v. 1(7), 3(6). Whole no. 93. 

Surrey : iii. 2(79) ; v. 3(2). Whole no. 81. 

Chamberlain: i. 3(34), 4(28); ii. 2(28), 3(22); iii. 2(19); v. 
3(1), 4(18). Whole no. 150. 

Chancellor : v. 3(32). Whole no. 32. 

Gardiner : ii. 2(2) ; v. 1(42), 3(47). Whole no. 91. 

Lincoln: ii. 4(8). Whole no. 8. 

Abe7'gavenny: i. i(i8). Whole no. 18. 

Sands : i. 3(21), 4(27). Whole no. 48. 

Guildford: i. 4(9). Whole no. 9. 

Lovell: i. 3(27), 4(4); ii. 1(6); v. 1(31). Whole no. 68. 

Denny : v. i (4) . Whole no, 4. 

Vaux : ii. 1(4). Whole no. 4. 

\st Secretary : i. 1(2). Whole no. 2. 

Brandon: i. 1(14). Whole no. 14. 

Cromwell: iii. 2(29); v. 3(20). Whole no. 49. 

Griffith: ii. 4(1); iv. 2(58). Whole no. 59. 

Butts: V. 2(9). Whole no. 9. 

Surveyor : i. 2(61). Whole no. 61. 

1st Gentleman : ii. 1(67); iii. 1(3); iv. 1(41); v. 1(1). Whole 
no. 112. 

2d Gentleman : ii. 1(44); iv. 1(44). Whole no. S^, 

^d Gentleman : iv. 1(57). Whole no. 57. 

Sergeant: i. 1(5). Whole no. 5. 

Servant : i. 4(4). Whole no. 4. 

Scribe : \\. i^{j^ , Whole no. 4. 

Crier : ii. 4(3). Whole no. 3. 

Messenger : iv. 2(4). Whole no. 4. 

Keeper : v. 2(3), 3(4). Whole no. 7. 

Porter : v. 4(36). Whole no. 36. 



262 Appendix 

Man: Y. 4.(41). Whole no. 41. 

Garter : v. 5 (4) . Whole no. 4. 
' Boy : V. 1(1). Whole no. i. 

Queen Katherine : 1.2(53); ii. 4(86); iii. 1(121); iv. 2(114). 
Whole no. 374. 

Anne Bullen : i. 4(4); ii. 3(54)- Whole no. 58. 

Patience: iii. 1(12); iv. 2(6). Whole no. 18. 

Old Lady : ii. 3(51); v. 1(17). Whole no. 68. 

" Within'' : v. 4(3). Whole no. 3. 

"All" : i. 2(1); V. 3(1). Whole no. 2. 

" Prologue" : (32). 

''Epilogue": (14). 

In the above enumeration, parts of lines are counted as whole 
lines, making the total in the play greater than it is. The actual 
number of lines in each scene is as follows: Prol. 32; i. 1(226), 
2(214), 3(67), 4(108); ii. 1(169), 2(144), 3(107), 4(241); iii. 
1(184), 2(460); iv. 1(117), 2(173); V. 1(177), 2(35). Zi'^^^^y 
4(94), 5(77); epil. 14. Whole number in the play, 2821. 



INDEX OF WORDS AND PHRASES 
EXPLAINED 



Aberga'ny, 189 

abhor (= detestor) , 213 

able, 209 

abode (= bode) , 186 

advertise (accent), 215 

advised (= considerate) , 
187 

afflictions (quadrisylla- 
ble), 221 

Alen^on, Duchess of, 223 

all the whole, 182 

allay, 206 

allegiant, 225 

allowed (= approved) , 191 

almost (transposed), 223 

Ampthill, 235 

Andren, 182 

angels (play upon?), 221 

apostle spoons, 252 

appliance, 187 

Arde, 182 

as ( = as if), 182, 219 

as (omitted) , 201 

Asher (= Esher), 228 

aspect (accent), 231 

at this present, 249 

attach (= arrest), 189, 194 

attainder, 189 

avaunt, 209 

avoid, 24s 

baiting of bombards, 256 
banquet, 255 
be what they will, 249 
been (omitted), 226 
beholding (= beholden) , 

201, 235, 251 
below the moon, 224 
beneficial (= beneficent) , 

184 
beshrew, 210 
Bevis, 183 
bevy, 201 

blistered (= puffed), 196 
blow (= blow up) , 254 



Bohun, 205 
boldened, 191 
book (= learning), 186 
bore (= undermine), 187 
both (transposed), 250 
bowls, standing, 256 
brake (= thicket), 191 
brazier, 254 
break with, 244 
Buckingham, Duke of, 

181 
budded (play upon?), 186 
butcher's cur, 186 
Butts, Doctor, 247 
buzzing, 206 
by day and night, 194 
by this light, 247 

camblet, 256 

Campeius, 207 

can, 243 

capable of our flesh, 248 

Capucius, 242 

carry (=manage), 186, 192 

Cawood Castle, 239 

censure, 183, 220 

certes, 184 

chafed (= angry) , 187 

chambers (=:guns), 13, 

201 
Charles the emperor, 188 
Charter-house, 189 
Chartreux, 189 
chattels, 231 
cherubin, 183 
cheveril, 210 
chiding, 227 
chine, 254 

choice (= chosen), 193 
Cinque-ports, 237 
clerks (= clergy), 207 
clinquant, 182 
Clotharius, 195 
clubs, 254 
coast (verb), 222 

263 



Colbrand, 253 
collars of SS, 237 
colour (= pretext), 188 
colt's tooth, 196 
commend (= deliver), 244 
commission (quadrisylla- 
ble), 212 
compell'd (accent), 210 
complete (accent), 192, 

222 
conceit, 210 
conceive, 191 
condition (= character) , 

190 
confederacy, 190 
confessor (accent), 189 
considerings, 216 
consistory, 214 
convent (= summon), 244 
cope (= encounter), 191 
corrupt (accent), 246 
count-cardinal, 188 
covent (= convent), 240 
Cromwell, Thomas, 238 
cry you mercy, 250 
cum privilegio, 196 

danger (personified), 190 

dare (larks), 229 

deliver (= relate), 193, 211 

demure, 194 

Denny, Sir Anthony, 245 

derive, 213 

device, 188 

digest, 222 

discerner, 183 

discover (= betray), 250 

Dunstable, 235 

earthy cold, 242 
Ego et rex mens, 230 
element, 184 
emballing, 210 
envy (= malice), 205, 207, 
219 



264 Index of Words and Phrases 



equal (adverb), 187 
equal (= impartial) , 208 
estate (= state), 207, 245 
even (= consistent) , 219 
evils {=foricce), 204 
exceeding (adverb), 242 
exclamation (= outcry), 

exhalation, 227 

fail (= die), 194 
fail (noun), 193, 216 
faint (= make faint), 211 
fair conceit, 210 
father (= father-in-law) , 

204 
fierce (= extreme), 184 
file (=list), 184 
file (verb), 225 
fire-drake, 254 
first good company, 201 
fool and feather, 195 
foot (= feet) , 253 
for (= as regards) , 201 
for (omitted), 204 
force (= hesitate) , 240 
force (=urge), 222 
fore, 214 
foresaid, 188 
forge, 194 

forsake (= die) , 205 
forty (indefinite), 228 
forty pence, 211 
foul'st, 213 
free (adverb), 204 
from (= of), 229 
front (verb), 190 

gaping (= shouting), 252 

Gardiner, Stephen, 208, 
238 

Garter, 237 

gave their free voices, 
207 

get (= beget) , 257 

give way to, 222 

glistering, 209 

gone beyond, 233 

good time, 244 

gossip, 256 

government (= self-con- 
trol), 215 

Gregory de Cassalis, 230 

guarded (= trimmed), 181 

Guy, Sir, 253 

Guynes, 182 



halidom, 245 
happily (= haply), 238 
happily (= luckily), 245 
happy (= favourable), 181 
happy (= promising), 257 
hard (dissyllable), 224 
hard-ruled, 223 
has (= he has), 258 
have-at-him, 207, 250 
having (= possession), 

209 
hedge (verb), 222 
Henton, Nicholas, 193 
hire (dissyllable), 210 
hitting a grosser quality, 

191 
hold (= hold good) , 206 
Hopkins, Nicholas, 189 
hours (dissyllable), 243 
hull (verb), 216 
husband (= manager) , 

225 

I (omitted), 210, 213 

in a little, 203 

in his opinions, 223 

in open, 232 

in proof, 188 

incense (= inform) , 244 

indifferent (= impartial) , 
213 

indurance, 245 

innocent from, 229 

innumerable (substance) , 
230 

instant (= present, pass- 
ing), 189 

is (= are) , 208 

is run in your displeasure, 

issues (=sons), 229 
it's, 182 

jaded by a piece of scarlet, 

229 
justify (= prove) , 190 

keech, 184 
Kimbolton, 236 
knock it, 202 

large commission, 230 
lay by, 219 
lay by the heels, 255 
lay upon my credit, 229 
learn'd (= learned} , 192 



learnedly, 203 

leave (= cease), 242 

Leicester Abbey, 239 

leisure, 225 

letters patents, 228 

level (= aim), 189 

lie (= reside)., 236 

like (impersonal), 186 

Limbo, 255 

Limbs of Limehouse, 255 

line (= equator), 254 

long (= belong), 190, 210 

loose, 205 

lop (noun), 191 

lose me, 204 

maidenhead, 210 

main assent, 236 

make my challenge, 213 

make my play, 201 

manage (noun), 249 

Marshalsea, 256 

May-day, 252 

mazed, 216 

me (reflexive), 222 

mean (= means), 251 

measure (= dance), 202 

memorize, 222 

mere (= absolute), 230, 

238 
mincing, 210 
mind (= memory), 225 
model (= image) , 243 
modesty (= moderation), 

242 
moe, 211, 222 
Montacute, Lord, 189 
Moorfields, 255 
more stronger, 187 
motley, 181 

mount (= raise), 187, 194 
mud in Egypt, 211 
mumchance, 199 
music (= musicians), 238, 

242 
my mind gave me, 250 
mysteries, 195 

naughty (= wicked) , 246 
never so (= ever so), 195 
news (number), 206 
noise (= music) , 253 
Norfolk, Duke of, 181, 

227 
not ever (=not always), 

2^0 



Index of Words and Phrases 265 



not (transposed), 185, 207 
note (= notice), 184, 210 
nothing (adverb), 246 

objections, 229 
of (= from) , 256 
of (omitted), 193 
of (= on), 228 
omit (= neglect), 222 
once (= sometimes), 191 
one the wisest, 213 
on't, 211 

open (= exposed) , 206 
opinion(=reputation), 181 
Orleans, Duke of, 215 
Orpheus, 219 
other (= anything else) , 
196 

pace (verb), 249 
pain (= pains), 223 
paned, 197 
panging, 209 
paper (verb), 185 
paragon (verb), 217 
pared my havings, 225 
Parish Garden, 252 
part (= depart), 221, 238 
part (= share), 219, 248 
passages (= approaches) , 

Paul's (pronunciation), 

253 

Pepin, 195 

period (= end) , 194 

perked up, 209 

pernicious, 204 

phoenix, 257 

pick (= pitch), 256 

pillars (of a cardinal), 
211, 232 

pinked, 254 

pitch (= height) , 206 

place (= rank) , 208 

plain-song, 196 

play the woman, 234 

points of ignorance, 195 

powers, 214 

please you, 186, 190 

practice (= artifice), 188, 
246 

praemunire, 230 

prayers (dissyllable), 204 

prefer (= promote) , 238 

presence (= presence- 
chamber), 219 



presence (= royal pres- 
ence), 241 

present, at this, 249 

presently, 228 

prime (= first), 225 

primer (= more urgent), 
191 

pnmero, 243 

primest, 217 

proper (ironical), 186 

putter-on, 190 

quarrel (= quarreller), 

209 
queen it, 210 

range with humble livers, 

209 
rank, 194 
rankness, 238 
rate, 224 

reek (of sighs), 216 
refuse (= recziso), 213 
reputed for, 213 
returned in his opinions, 

223 
Rochford, Viscount, 201 
round in the ear, 199 
royal (= loyal) , 235 
rub (in bowling), 205 

Saba, 257 

sad, high, and working, 

180 
salute my blood, 211 
saw (= saw each other) , 

182 
scarlet (piece of) , 229 
sea (pronunciation), 219 
self-mettle, 187 
sennet, 211 

separation (metre), 206 
set on, 217 
shall (= should), 192 
sharp'st, 213 
shilling (at theatre), 181 
shot (= shooters), 255 
shrewd (= evil) , 252 
sick (= ill-disposed), ^91 
sign (= show), 214 
silenced, 186 
single heart, 249 
Sir Guy, 253 
so (=if), 186 
so (= in so far as), 225 
something (adverb), 188 



sometimes (= form.erly), 

215 
sooth (= truth), 210 
sound (= proclaim), 247 
spake (participle), 215 
speak (= speak of), 221, 

240, 245 
speak (= vouch for), 215 
spinster, 190 
spleen (= malice), 194, 

214 
spoons, apostle, 252 
springhalt, 195 
SS, collars of, 237 
stand on, 246 
stand to, 214 
standing bowls, 256 
state (= canopy), 200 
state (= estate) , 207 
state (= throne), 190 
stick them in our will, 191 
still (= ever) , 208 
stir against, 249 
stomach (= pride) , 240 
stranger (= alien), 209 
strove (= striven), 213 
sufferance (= suffering), 

209, 24s 
Suffolk, Duke of, 206 
suggest (= tempt), 187 
suggestion, 240 
superstitious, 221 
surveyor (accent), 189 

take peace with, 205 
tell (= count), 190 
temperance (= patience), 

187 
tendance, 225 
tender (= value), 214 
tennis, 195 
that (omitted), 219 
that (= so that), 183 
this many, 231 
threepence bowed, 210 
throughly, 245 
to (= against), 223 
to (omitted and inserted) , 

212 
to (=with), 255 
tomb (of tears) , 232 
top-proud, 187 
touch (= hint), 243 
touch (= injury), 215 
trace (= follow) , 222 
trade, 244 



166 



Index of Words and Phrases 



trembling, 191 
Tribulation of Tower 

Hill, 255 
trip, 242 
trow, 188 

true condition, 190 
types (= marks), 196 

understand (play upon), 

196 
undertakes (= takes the 

charge of ) , 205 
unhappily, 201 
unpartial, 208 
unsay, 247 
unwit, 224 
unwittingly, 224 
upon our fail, 193 
Upper Germany, 249 
use (= interest) , 233 



vail (= abate) , 240 
Vaux, Sir Nicholas, 205 
visitation (= visit), 188, 

247 
visnomy, 197 
vizard, 242 
voice (=talk), 234, 250, 

252 
vouch (noun), 187 



ween, 246 

weigh (= value), 220, 246 
wench, 219 
what (=who), 193 
Whitehall, 196 
who (omitted), 223, 238 
whoever (= whomsoever) , 
204 



will (= would) , 192 
win the work, 255 
wit (noun), 220 
wit (verb), 224 
with (= by), 239 
withal, 224 

without all doubt, 238 
witness, 246 
women (accent), 258 
worship, 183 
wot, 224 

wrought (= manoeuvred) , 
229 



y are, 201 

yet (transposed), 216 
York-place, 196 
young (= recent) , 222 



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